MEMOIRS

NAPOLEON,

HIS COURT AND FAMILY

THE DUCHESS D'ABRANTES,

(MADAME JUNOT.)

IN TWO VOLUMES.
YOL. II.

NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,

72 FIFTH AVENUE.

1895.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME II.

CHAPTER I.

Our Russian and English friends — M. von Cobentzel's travelling costume —
French Institute — Messieurs Denon andMillin — David the painter — The
steam-pumps of the brothers Perrier — Mirabeau and Beaumarchais —
The museum of the Louvre — The Committee of Public Instruction — M.
Denon, and the old paintings — Original drawings of the great masters —
The gallery of Apollo — Visit to M. Charles the philosopher — The camera
obscura, and M. von Cobentzel's secretary — Mademoiselle Chameroy —
Scene at St. Roch — Napoleon's anger — The Archbishop of Paris — The
cabinet of medals — The National Library — Its rich contents — Chari-
table institutions — The barriers round Paris 3

CHAPTER II.

The First Consul's sponsorship — The eldest son of Madame Lannes, and my
daughter, the first godchildren of Bonaparte — Cardinal Caprara and
the Chapel of Saint-Cloud — Napoleon's ambassadors — Anecdote of the
Prince Regent of England and General Andreossy, related by the First
Consul — Madame Lannes, Madame Devaisne, Mad. de Montesquiou and
Napoleon's preferences — Lannes the Rolando of the French army — My
daughter's destiny — Ceremony of Baptism at St. Cloud — Cardinal Ca-
prara's cap — Baptismal gifts of the First Consul and Madame Bona-
parte— Return of the army from Egypt — Bianca, the heroine of the
army — M. and Madame Verdier — Anecdotes — Marmont and his wife —
General Colbert — General Menou and Monsieur Marct i i

CHAPTER III.

Prolongation of Bonaparte's Consulate — Senatus Consultum — Remarkable
answer and prophetic words of Napoleon — Breakfast given to Madame
Bonaparte at my house in the Rue des Champs-Klysecs — General Suchet
and his brother — My ball, at which the First Consul was present —
Presetit of a hundred thousand francs — Madame Bonaparte as Eri-
go>tc- -The Consul ite for life-— The wisli of the nation — Junot'a objoo-

83571ft

iv CONTENTS.

pag a
lions to tie measure — His q larrel with Napoleon, ami his illness — The
l'ir.-t Consul's conversation with me at St Cloud— His visit to Junot

when ill — Junot'a recovery — Rupture with England — Bad faith of the
English government — Napoleon's preparations — Lord Whitworth's de-
parture— Consternation of the English at Paris— Military preparations —

Napoleon commands Junot t" arrest all the English in Paris — Napoleon
grossly imposed upon by false statements — Colonel Green denounced —
Junot'a remonstrance upon the injustice of the step — Result of his dis-
eussion with the First Consul 20

CHAPTER IV.

Proud aspect of France — Letter from Duroc to Junot — Conspiracy of Mo-
reau, Pichegru, and Georges Cadoudal — The Duke d'Enghien — Drake,
the English Minister, at Munich — Suspicions respecting the Duke d'Eng-
hien— Conversation between Junot and the First Consul — Napoleon's
remarks on Moreau — Conduct of Bernadotte on the 18th Brumaire —
Junot's return to Arras — He receives intelligence of the death of the
Duke d'Enghien — Intended expedition to England — Junot's fine division
of Grenadiers — Change effected in their head-dress by Junot — Napoleon
created Emperor— Davoust promoted — His peculiarities — Admiral Ma-
gon appointed to command the fleet to be employed in the English
expedition 36

CHAPTER V.

Creation of the Legion of Honour, and of the Grand Officers of the Em-
pire— Napoleon reviews the troops at Arras — Inauguration of the
Legion of Honour — Military ceremony at Boulogne — Madame Ney —
Arrival of the flotilla — Unlucky accident — Napoleon's Vexation —
Sneers in the English journals — My journey to Calais with Junot — ■
Napoleon's curiosity — Regulations for the court dress of ladies — Anec-
dote of Napoleon's embroidered coat — Bonaparte's opinions iipon ladies'
dresses — Preparation for the coronation — Arrival of the Pope — Descrip-
tion of his appearance — Amusing incident — The Pope and Cervoni. ... 45

CHAPTER VI.

Formation of the new court — Madame Lavallette — Madame de la Roche-
foucauld— Madame Maret — Madame Savary, Madame de Ca . . . . y,
Me-. lames Lannes and Durosnel — The households of the Princesses —
M. d'Aligre — The Princess Eliza — Dispute between her and Napoleon —
Madame Leclerc — Her widowhood — Marriage — The Prince Borghese—
The bride's visit to St Cloud — Her vanity — Marmont's disgrace — The
author of it — Votes of the nation — Napoleon's severity to Lucien and
Jerome — Madame Lsetitia's maternal feeling — Ceremony of the corona-
tion— Demeanour of the Emperor and the Empress — The crown of
Charlcreagr.e — Ominous fall of a stone — Conversation with Napoleon. . 54

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER VII.

p.* *•!

Junot appointed Ambassador to Portugal — He hesitates to accept t'n*
appointment — Lord Robert Fitzgerald and his lady — Marshal Lannes
recalled — Cambaceres — Opening of the legislative bod}- — Letter from
Napoleon to the King of England — Departure of the squadron to
Dominica — Its success — Detailed instructions given to me by the Em
peror — Preparations for my departure — Court dresses and hoops — M.
d'Arango — Junot's farewell interview with Napoleon — Our departure
from Paris — Honours paid to Junot on the route — Arrival atBayonne —
Alphonso Pignatelli's offer of his house at Madrid — Entrance into Spain 64

CHAPTER VIII.

We enter Spain — Aspect of the country — Arrival at Madrid — An agreeable
surprise — General and Madame de Beurnonville — Arenjeuz San Ilde-
fonso — The Escurial — State of the Peninsula — Prince of the Peace —
Superb road-approach to Madrid — Description of the capital — Char-
acter of the Spaniards — Their absurd national vanity — Ladies of the
Spanish court — The Marchianess de Santiago's false eye-brow — Junot's
interview with Godoy — The Prince and Princess of the Asturias — Notice
of the elevation of Godoy — His character — The Court at Aranjeuz —
Road to that palace from Madrid — Beauty of its situation — My presen-
tation to the King and Queen — White gloves forbiddeu — The camerara-
mayor — Description of Charles IV. and his Queen — My conversation
with their Majesties 73

CHAPTER IX.

The Prince of the Peace — His familiar manners in the presence of the
King and Queen — Married to a Bourbon Princess — Hated by his wife —
His connection with Madame Tudo — Anecdote of Mayo, a rival favour-
ite— The Queen's talent for conversation — The King's feeble attempts
at music — Princess of the Asturias — Recollections of Aranjuez — Court
promenade — Remarkable picture at Madrid — Rencontre with Tallien —
Junot's opinion of Godoy 86

CHAPTER X.

Alliance between Spain and France — Honours paid to us on our journey

from Madrid — Talavera de laReyna — News of the Emperor's a ptance

of the Crown of Italy — Truxillo — Unexpected meeting with Jerome
Bonaparte — Account of his marriage with Miss Patterson — Portrait of
his wife — Conversation between Jerome and Junot — Arrival at Bada-
joz — Entrance into Portugal — Contrast of the two nations— Approach
to Lisbon — We take up our residence at. Alden Galega — Our state visit,
to Lisbon — Absurd ceremony of the collation — Description of the city —
Our reception by the Portuguese nobility 90

Vl CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XI.

paoi
Jonofs presentation at Court — His superb Hussar uniform — The Prince of
i copies his dress — My preparations for an audience — Embarrass-
ment of hoops — My presentation to the royal family — The Princess of
Brazil — Her ugliness and absurd costume — Ladies of the Court — Lord
and Lady Robert Fitzgerald — Lord Strangford and Pellegrini the
painter — The Spanish Embassy — The Russian minister — M. Von Leb-
zeltern the Austrian Ambassador, and his family — Count Villaverde
and M. d'Anadia — Galeppi the apostolic nuncio — Napoleon's opinion of
him — The pope deceived by Napoleon 105

CHAPTER XII.

Die nobility of Lisbon — The Duke and Duchess de Cadaval — The nobleman
and his cook — Portuguese politeness — Their insincerity — Degradation
of the country — The Marquis de Louie — The three Graces — Duchess
of Alafoes — Marchioness de Lourical and de Louie — Count Sabugal — ■
Countess da Ega — Ratification of a treaty — General Lannes' sabre —
The order of Christ — The valet-de-chambre and the red ribbon — Cere-
mony in the Convento Novo — Tedious sermon — Prince of Brazil — Por-
tugal under the domination of England — Naldi and Catalani at the
Opera at Lisbon — Portuguese theatre 11 f>

CHAPTER XIII.

Belem — Garden at Bemfica — The dangerous bouquet — Military position of
Lisbon — Junot's subsequent defence of it in 1808 — The mad Queen
Don^a Maria — My encounter with her — Cintra — Country-houses there —
Coauiion preparing against France — Elevation of Madame Laetitia and
the Princess Eliza — Naval action between Villeneuve and Sir R. Calder —
Captain Baudin of the Topaze frigate — His successes — Promoted by Na-
poleon— Observations on Colonel Napier's work — Letter from Napoleon
to Junot — Attitude of Austria — Junot's visit on board the Topaze — My
illness — Junot departs to join the Emperor — His speedy arrival at Na-
poleon's headquarters — His conversation with the Emperor 128

CHAPTER XI Y.

Dangerous passage across the Tagus — Narrow escape — The battle of Tra-
falgar— Celebration of the event by the English at Lisbon — Villeneuve's
incapacity — Disastrous results of the. battle — Napoleon's brilliant cam-
paign in Germany — Series of victories — Capture of Ulm — Battle of
Austerlitz — Enthusiastic attachment of the soldiers to Napoleon — Ar-
mistice— Napoleon enjoys the fruits of his glory — Marriage of Eugene —
My audience at the court of Lisbon before my departure — Conversation
with the Duke de Cadaval 1 37

CONTENTS. Vli

CHAPTER XV.

F6le on board the Topaze — Superb appearance of the Frigate — Festivities-
Sham fight — Gaiety of the Nuncio — Sacrifices to Bacchus — His humane
interference on behalf of an old fortune-teller — My arrival at Madrid —
Gloomy events at Madrid — Mysterious death of the Princess of the
Asturias — Suspicion of poison — Alameda — Departure for Paris — Public
opinion of France in favour of Napoleon — Death of Mr. Pitt — Napo-
leon's animosity towards him — Libels on both sides — Sensation produced
in Spain and France by Mr. Pitt's death — Escape of a French prisoner
from England — His statements reported to the Emperor — My return to
Paris — Visit to the Empress — Her breakfasts — Stephanie de Beauhar-
nais, her niece — Audience with Madame Mere — Receipt of an unex-
pected Sani ) J H

CHAPTER XVI.

Portrait of Madame Lsetitia Bonaparte — Her retired life — Coolness between
her and Napoleon — Her household — The Marechale Davoust — Mad. de
Fontanges — Mad. de Fleurien — Mad. de Bressieux — Mad. de St. Pern —
Mad. Dupuis — Mile. Delaunay — Count de la Ville — M. de Beaumont —
Mons. and Mad. de Brissac — Deafness of the latter — Absurd scene with
the Emperor — M. de Cazes — Prince of Baden — The court quadrille —
Festive scenes encouraged by Napoleon — Naples occupied by the
French — Death of Tronchet — Naval disasters — Capitulation of Ro-
chambeau and massacre of the French at St. Domingo — General Lalle-
mand and his wife — My interview with Napoleon — Junot writes me to
join him at Parma 161

CHAPTER XVII.

lunot's success as Governor of Parma — Machinations of the Jesuits — Their
suppression in Italy — Junot's kind offices to the Princess of Parma —
Treaty with Prussia — Creation of sovereigns in Napoleon's family —
The Emperor's conversation on the subject of my journey to Parma —
The Empress's jealousy — Person and character of the Princess Caro-
line— The chamberlain M. d'Aligre — His firmness in refusing the Empe-
lor's wish to marry his daughter to Caulaincourt — Character of the
Princess Pauline — Her great beauty — The Emperor's brothers — Louis
created King of Holland — Reception of the Dutch deputation — Char-
acter of Joseph and his wife — Talleyrand created Prince of Benevento —
My journey countermanded — Conversation with the Emperor on the
subject — Junot's arrival at Paris 172

CHAPTER XVIII.

innot appointed Governor of Paris — Battle of Maida, and General Reig-
nier — Madame Mere at Pont-sur-Seine — Gianni, the Improvisatore —
An exclusion on donkeys — Journey with Madame de Brissac — Russian

VUl CONTENTS.

PAOi

correspondence indiscreetly avowed — M. Millin — Death of Mr. Fox —
Napoleon's protection >>f the Jews — Marmont's victory in Illyria— The
Emperor Leaves Paris — Napoleon and Henry IV.— Double character of
Bonaparte — Cambac6res 185

CHAPTER XIX.

The ohatean of Raincy — A surprise — Prussian irresolution — Prince Louis
of Prussia — Magical influence of Napoleon over his officers — Battle of
Jena — Flight of tie Prussians — Letters from head-quarters — Fall of
Lubecb and Magdeburg — The Emperor Alexander — Re-organization
of the National Guard — The Berlin decree of blockade — Murat enters
Warsaw 193

CHAPTER XX.

Letter from the Emperor — English manufactures prohibited — Prosperity of
France — Pleasures of Paris — The Princess of Hatzfeld — Napoleon's
magnanimity — Arrest of Dupuy — Junot's devotion to his friend — Ma-
dame Regnault de St. Jean d' Angel y — Napoleon's rudeness to her 199

CHAPTER XXI.

Fetes given by the ministers in the winter of 1807 — The Grand Duchess of
Berg — Danger of loving Princesses — Death of Junot's mother — Letter
to Junot from the Emperor — The army in cantonments — Murat and his
plumes — Intrigues respecting the succession to the Imperial throne —
Josephine and the Grand Duchess — The battle of Eylau — Lannes versus
Murat — Bitter altercation — An unwilling conspirator — Murat and the
empire — M. de Flahault 207

CHAPTER XXII.

Success in Russia — The great Sanhedrim — The Empress and patience — Na-
poleon's illegible letter — Extraordinary visit of the Princess Borghese —
Her chamberlain — Household of the Princess — Madame de Champag-
ny — Madame de Barra — Marchioness de Brahan — Mademoiselle Millot—
representation of "The Barber of Seville" — M. de Longchamps — Made
moiselleMars — Royal actresses — Court scandal — Inconstancy of fortune 21C

CHAPTER XXIII.

Visit of the Arch-chancellor — The new Duke — The siege of Dantzick — The
new Duchess — The Empress's usher reprimanded — Proclamation of the
Prince of the Peace — Death of the young Prince Louis — Queen Hor-
tense in the Pyrenees — Her return to Paris — Her albums and musical
compositions — Napoleon less of a Corsican than he is thought — His
economy and liV>erality — Cause of the aspersions upon Junot by La*
Cases — Campaign of 1807 continued — The Emperor's ear grazed by a
ball — Napoleon's observation to Marshal Lannes — Resolution of the

CONTENTS. IX

PAOB

Russian soldiers — Battle of Friedland — The Emperor in high s[ iriis —
Victor — Marshal Ney — Prodigious slaughter — Capture of Konisberg —
Interview of the two Emperors at Tilsit — Humiliation of the King of
Prussia — The Emperor Alexander fascinated — The Queen of Prussia's
intercourse with Napoleon at Tilsit — Napoleon's error in not re-estab-
lishing the kingdom of Poland — The Queen of Prussia's beauty — Effects
on Prussia of the treaty of Tilsit — Violation of locks and seals 225

CHAPTER XXIV.

The Emperor's return to Paris — Conduct of the Emperor's sisters— Painful
interview between the Emperor and Junot — The red livery — Murat and
Junot — Duel forbidden by the Emperor — Reconciliation between Junot
and Napoleon — Cardinal Maury — Corneille and Racine — The Emperor's
judgment — Fete at the Hotel de Ville — Junot appointed commander of
the Gironde — Parting interview with the Emperor — Junot's unhappi-
ness — Kingdom of Westphalia erected — Suppression of the tribunate —
Career of conquest — Bombardment of Copenhagen — Proclamation. . . . 238

CHAPTER XXV.

Letter from Duroc — The Princess of Wirtemberg expected at Raincy —
Consternation — Preparations for the reception of her Royal Highness —
Her arrival — Her portrait — Dismissal of her German attendants — The
royal breakfast — M. de Winzingerode — Stag-hunt in the park — The
Princess's dress — The dinner at Raincy — Her Royal Highness's request
— Arrival of Prince Jerome — Recollections of Baltimore — Interview of
Jerome Bonaparte with the Princess Catherine — Departure for Paris,
and arrival at the Tuileries — Junot's distress — The Faubourg St. Ger-
main 2E0

CHAPTER XXVI.

Junot's departure for Bordeaux, and subsequently for Portugal — Secret in-
structions relative to the Portuguese campaign — General Loison — His
accusations against Junot — Colonel Napier — Predilections in favour of
England — Charles X. at the exhibition of National Industry — Conven-
tion of Cintra — Fetes at Fontainebleau — The Emperor's new amours —
His solitary rides in the forest — His dislike to attendance — Melancholy
presentiments of the Empress — Duroc's hostility to her — Interview at
Mantua between Napoleon and Lucien — The Imperial brother and the
Republican brother — Lucien's ideas of kingly duties — The parting —
Scene at Malmaison in 1804 — Lucien's prediction 262

CHAPTER XXVII.

Imperial magnificence — The Grand Duchess of Berg — Queen ITortcnse —
Commotions in Spain — Balls given by Princess ( laroline and her sister —
Tlie romantic school in literature- -Napoleon .-is President of the Insti-

X CONTENTS.

VAGI

tute at St Cloud— Discussion between Cardinal Maury and the Em-
peror— Napoleon's opinion of the morals of the present, age compared
with those of former times— His remarks on the doctrine of phronology 272

CHAPTER XXVIII.

The Emperor's family — Negotiations between Napoleon and Lucien — M.
Carapi— His mission to Canino— Madame Lucien Bonaparte — The
Duchy of Parma and the throne of Naples — Lucien's magnanimous
conduct— His daughter Charlotte— Her projected marriage with Ferdi-
nand VII. — Her departure for Spain countermanded — Affairs of Spain
— M. Talleyrand 280

CHAPTER XXIX.

Festivities in Paris — The Grand Duchess of Berg's masquerade — A quad-
rille of sixteen ladies — The Tyrolean peasant-girls — Prince Camille
Borghese — His extraordinary disguise — The blue mask — Isabey person-
ating the Emperor — His large hands — The dance interrupted — Made-
moiselle Gu . . . . and the Grand Duchess — The new nobility — The
Duke de Rovigo — General Rapp — The salute — The Duchess de Moute-
bello — The Pope's bull and the ass laden with relics 284

CHAPTER XXX.

The Emperor atBayonne — Abdication of Charles IV. — Errors of Napoleon
— Abdication of Ferdinand — Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain — Ferdi-
nand VII. at Valencay — Charles IV. at Compeigne — Insurrection of
Arragon — Massacres at Valencia and Seville — Murat superseded by
Savary — Savarj^s absurdity — The Provincial junta at Seville — Letter
from Louis de Bourbon — Murat made King of Naples — Reception of
Joseph at Madrid — He retires to Vittoria — Affair of Bajlen — Capitula-
tion violated — Commencement of the Revolution in Spain — The Em-
press at Bordeaux — The Empress's return to Paris — The Spanish junta
at Bayonne — Absence of news at Paris — My interview with Napoleon
at St. Cloud — Fete at the Hotel-de-Ville — The supper — Letter from
Spain — New Spanish Catechism 295

CHAPTER XXXI.

Sews of the Convention of Cintra — Landing of the British troops — Pa-
triotism of Count de Bourmont — Battle of Vimiera — Council of Gen-
erals— Admiral Siniavin — General Kellermann treats with the English
generals — Anecdote — Siniavin's treachery — The Convention — My de-
parture for Rochelle — Meeting with Junot — Arrest of M. de Bourmont
— Anecdote of the Emperor of Russia — Napoleon and Alexander — The
Arch-chancellor's fete — Count Metternich and the Duke de Cadore —
War with Austria— Defeat of General Moore 308

CONTENTS. XI

CHAPTER XXXII.

PAfll

The Euperor's promise to Junot — Berthier's letters — Junot's departure for
Saragossa — Siege of Saragossa — Its horrors — Junot's wounds — The Em-
peror's unkindness — Reduction of St. Joseph — Napoleon's unreasonable
complaint — General Thiebault summoned to head-quarters — His re-
markable interview with the Emperor — Napoleon's return to Paris —
Sinister forebodings — Exile of Mesdames de Stael and Recamier — Ma-
dame Recamier's refusal to be the Emperor's friend — Fouche's interpo-
sition— Extraordinary note — Fouche's ambitious projects 311

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Sew campaign in Germany — Battle of Austerlitz — Bombardment of Vi-
enna— Death of Marshal Lannes — The Roman states annexed to the
French empire — Bull of excommunication — Marshal Soult determines
to accept the attributes of royalty — New disasters in Portugal — Cap
tain Schiller and the Countess W — g — . — General Danube — Prince Eu-
gene at Leoben — Peace with Austria — The Emperor's return — Opinion
at Paris- -Inauspicious omens 328

CHAPTER XXXIV.

Approaching divorce — Conversation with the Empress — Her distress — Fete
at the Hotel -de-Ville — The ladies appointed to receive the Empress
countermanded — Her Majesty's sufferings at this ball — The Emperor
and the Queen of Naples — Berthier — The divorce pronounced — Affect-
ing incident — Josephine at Malmaison — The Rhenish deputation — A
Pasquinade 332

CHAPTER XXXV.

Fhe German Kings at Paris— The Queen of Naples at the Tuileries — Her
•parties unsociable — Duets with the Grand Duke of Wurtzburg — The
King's visit to Josephine at Malmaison — The Carnival — The patrimony
of St. Peter withdrawn from the Pope — Negotiations superintended by
Lucien Bonaparte — The Pope carried off from Rome — General Miollis
at Rome — Expatriation — A storm — Port of Cagliari — Lucien and his
family prisoners to the English — Malta — Palace of the Grand-master —
Captain Warren — Arrival at Plymouth — Castle of Ludlow — Lucien's
removal to Thorngrove — Domestic scenes — Lucien's literarj' pursuits —
Visit of the Duke of Norfolk 311

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Napoleon's marriage with Maria-Louisa — Union of the Papal States with
France — Nuptial festivities in Paris — Maria-Louisa's regret at having

JLll CONTENTS.

I'AOB

V ifin i.i- Berfavcurite dog Berthier's scheme — Arrival of the Mm press
in France Ber interview with the Emperor — A surprise — The Emperor
and Empress \i-ii Belgium — Abdication of Louis, King of Holland —
Projected treaty with England — M. de Labouchere's mission to London —
Louie accuses Napoleon of had faith — Fouche — The Intrigue unravelled
— Dreadful accident at Prince Schwartzenberg's ball — The Empress's
courage — The Emperor's exertions to assist the sufferers — Princess
Bchwartxenberg burnt to death — Escape of the Prince Euge"ne and the
Vice-Queen — Death of the Princess de la Lej'en — Madame de Bre . . .
— Letters from France — Duchy of Oldenburg — Remarkable expression
of the Emperor Alexander — Maury's opinion of Maria-Louisa — Soirees
at the Tuileries — Male visitors prohibited S49

CHAPTER XXXVI 1.

Dreadful accident at Prince Schwartzenberg's ball — The temporary ball-
room— The Empress's courage — The Emperor's exertions to render as-
sistance to the sufferers — Absence of the engines — Princess Schwart-
zenberg burnt to death — Escape of Prince Eugene and the Vice-Queen
— Death of the Princess de la Leyen — Madame de Br . . . . x — The
Emperor's gloomy forebodings 356

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Birth of the King of Rome — The Emperor's altered appearance — Descrip-
tion of the young King — Napoleon at play with his son — His conversa-
tion with Madame Junot — Rejoicings in honour of the birth of the
King of Rome — His christening — Maria-Louisa's accouchement —
Madame de Montesquiou — Apathy of Maria-Louisa — Anecdote — The
3Toung King's violent temper — His benevolence — The widow and the
orphan — The intended palace 859

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Projected alliance between Great Britain and Spain — Count Charles de
Chatillon — Napoleon's ideas respecting the war in Spain — Taking of
Mount Serrat and Valencia — Napoleon's recollections at St. Helena —
Probability of French supremacy in Spain — Confederation of the North
— Bad faith of Russia — Treaty of Tilsit — Humiliation of Russia —
Embassy of the Duke de Vicenza to St. Petersburg — The Duke de
Rovigo — The affair of the Duke d'Enghien — Duke de Vicenza recalled
to France — General Lauriscon sent in his stead — Fancy quadrilles at
court — The Princess Borghese and the Queen of Naples 367

CHAPTER XL.

The Pope at Savona — The Kingdom of Haiti — Coronation of Christophe —

State of Europe — Our allies — Junot sent to Milan — Bernadotte — He

ejects Napoleon's overtures of reconciliation — Victories in Spain —

CONTENTS. Xlll

PAOB

Suchet created Duke d'Albufera — The Emperor's departure for Germany
— His interview with Francis II. — War betwoen Great Britain and
America — The Emperor proclaims war with Russia — Removal of the
Spanish Royal family to Rome — Josephine's altered appearance — Her
exquisite taste in dress — Madame Mere and Maria-Louisa — The Queens
at Aix — Talma and the Princess Pauline — Conspiracy against the Em-
press Josephine — Madame Recamier at Lyons —My interview with her 378

CHAPTER XLI.

Napoleon's despotism — Mrs. Spencer Smith — History of her arrest at
Venice by order of Napoleon, and of her romantic escape with the
Marquis de Salvo 383

CHAPTER XLII.

The Russian Campaign — Consequences of the battle of the Moskowa —
Kutuzow — Mallet's conspiracy and execution — Napoleon imitating
Haroun-al-Raschid — The alabaster shop in the Passage du Panorama —
The Emperor's loose coats — Maria-Louisa's permission that he should
dress as he pleased — Mile. L. — The Medicis vases — An invitation to the
Elys6e Napoleon — Maria-Louisa — Her apathy on the subject of Mallet's
conspirac}' — Cambaceres — His sharp reply — The King of Rome and the
Enfans Trowies 399

CHAPTER XLIII.

Burning of Moscow — Discouragement of the French army — The retreat-
Napoleon on his return to France — His narrow escape from a party of
Cossacks — His arrival at Warsaw — The Abbe de Pradt — Napoleon's in-
terview with the King of Saxony at Dresden — His arrival at the Tuile-
ries — The Emperor's peculiarities of feeling — General Kutuzow and
General Morosow — The European tocsin — Proclamation of the Emperor
Alexander — Napoleon's speech to the Legislative Body — Alexander as
Pacificator of Europe — Sixth coalition against France — Defection of
Prussia — Marshal Soult ; Spain — Bernadotte's letter to the Emperor —
War declared against Prussia — Amount of the French army — Supplies
granted by the Senate — The guards of honour — Death of Lagrange—
Enthusiasm of France — Marshal Macdonald abandoned — The King of
Naples — Misunderstanding between Murat and Napoleon — Quarrels of
the King and Queen of Naples — Murat'a demand — Napoleon's decree —
Letters from the Emperor to his sister and Murat — Injudicious articles
in the Monitcur — Maria-Louisa's indifference to the critical naturo of
affairs — King Joseph falls back on France — Battle of Vittoria 405

CHAPTER XLIV.

The continental coalition — The Tugend-Band — Proclamation from Hart-
well — Prussia declares war against France — Military position of Eu-

K1V CONTENTS.

PASS

rope — Napoleon's depart are from Paris — The Imperial family at Dres-
den— Erfurt — Rattle of Woissenfeld — Defiles at Poserna — Death of
Marshal Bessieres — Battle of Lutzen — Napoleon at the tomb of Gusta-
vus Adolphus — The King of Saxony and Prince Eugene — .Scene between
the Emperor and M. Metternich — Battle of Bautzen — Bernadotte joins
the Allies — Visit from Lavalette — Death of Duroc — The King of Na-
ples— His alarm respecting the English — He rejoins Napoleon — Treaties
of Keichenbach and Peterswaldon — Junot at Gorizia — General Moreau's
arrival in Europe — His nterview with the allied Sovereigns at Prague —
The Emperor Alexande ■ — General J .... — The two renegades — Mo-
reau's death — His remains conveyed to St Petersburgh 418

CHAPTER XLV.

The Duke de Rovigo — Junot's illness and death — State of Spain — Treaty
of alliance with Denmark — Congress of Prague — Propositions to Aus-
tria— Rupture of the Armistice — Prince Schwartzenburg — Battle of
Dresden — Victory — Reverses — Surrender of St. Sebastian — Treat}7 of
Tceplitz — Battle of Katzbach — Wellington enters France — Battle of
Leipsic — Death of Prince Poniatowski — Napoleon's visit to the King
of Saxony — The French army cross the Rhine — The Emperor's arrival
at Mentz — The surrender of Pampeluna — The French driven from
Spain — The typhus fever — Treachery of Prince Schwartzenburg and
the Prince of "Wirtemberg — Evacuation of Holland — Restoration of
the House of Orange — Napoleon's arrival at St Cloud — Murat — In-
trigues of England — Admiral Bentinck and the Duke de Vauguyon —
The Emperor's laconic letter to Murat 428

CHAPTER XLYI.

Blucher crosses the Rhine — Comparative force of the French army and
that of the Allies — Assemblage at the court of Napoleon — Committees
of the Senate and the Legislative Body — Napoleon's speech — The Rus-
sians take possession of Dantzick — Broken treaties — Our last resource —
Liberation of the Pope and of Ferdinand VIL — Napoleon's farewell to
the National Guard — The Duke de Vicenza's mission to the head-quarters
of the Allies — Madame Recamier proceeds to Italy — Her arrival at Na-
ples— Her first visit to the King and Queen — The Lazzaroni del Car-
mine— Caroline's captivating manners — Madame Recamier's second visit
at court — Murat's despair — Caroline's energy — English ships in the Bay
of Naples 4Ul

CHAPTER XLYII.

Solitude of the Tuileries — Advance of the allied armies — Napoleon in
Champagne — Intrigues of M. de Talleyrand — His interview with the
Emperor — The coup de poing — The battle of Brienne — College recollec-
tions— The Congress of Chatillon — The Emperor Alexander and the
Duke de Vicenza — Battles of Champaubert and Montmirail — Napo-
leon's refusal to sign the powers for the Duke de Vicenza — The cam-

CONTENTS. XV

FAGB

paign of France — Count d'Artois at Vesoul — M. Wildermetz — His mes-
sage to the Emperor Alexander — Horrors committed by the Cossacks —
Button's country-house — Suppression of news in the journals — First
performance of "The Oriflamme" — The Austrians before Grenoble —
Paris in the winter of 1814 — False reports of the enemy's progress —
St Dizier — Review on the Place du Carrousel — Cardinal Maury pre-
dicts the return of the Bourbons — The Duke d'Angoulerne enters Bor-
deaux— The treaty of Chaumont — FerdinanJ. VII. re-enters Spain —
Tallej^rand's influence in the restoration of the Bourbons — The Em-
press and the King of Rome leave Paris — The attack on Paris — Rovigo
and Talleyrand — Capitulation of Paris 449

CHAPTER XLYIII.

die Allies enter Paris — First appearance of the white cockade — The allied
troops and their white scarfs — The Emperor Alexander at the hotel of
M. de Talleyrand — The Council — Napoleon at Fontainebleau — A con-
spiracy— Berthier deserts the Emperor — The Duke de Ragusa and
General Souham — Deputation of the -Marshals — The Emperor of Rus-
sia— His auswer to the Marshals — Napoleon's conversation on suicide —
He takes poison — His recovery — Marmont and the Convention of
Chevilli — Indignation of the troops against Marmont — The 4th of
April at Fontainebleau — The Abdication — Napoleon's forbearance —
Grand Ceremony of expiation — Te Deuni 467

CHAPTER XLIX.

Dispersion of the Imperial family — Judas and St Peter — The Emperor of
Austria's arrival in Paris — Napoleon's act of abdication signed — For-
feiture of majorates — M. Metternich's advice — Visit to me from the
Emperor of Russia — The bronze figure of Napoleon — Alexander's
opinion of the Duke of Rovigo — The Duke de Bassano — Junot's por-
trait— The Emperor's departure — His Majesty's second visit — His con-
versation on the Duke of Vicenza — His admiration of Paris — Promises
his influence in favour of my son's majorates — Lord Cathcart — The
Staff-officer of the Prince Royal of Sweden — Motives of Bernadotte's
visit to Paris — His proposition to the Count d'Artois — Visit from the
Duke of Wellington — General and Lady Cole — Miss Eliza Bathurst —
The Monster Prince — His love adventures 479

CHAPTER L.

Letter from Fontainebleau — M. Corvisart — Visit to Malmaison — Jose-
phine's sorrow — My opinion of Maria-Louisa — Josephine's projects —
Future Duchess of Navarre — Approaching departure of Napoleon for
Elba — Augereau's proclamation — The Emperor leaves France — Commis-
sioners who accompany him — General Bertraml — Arrival of the Duke
de Berry — Louis XVI 1 1. — The Count d'Artois — The Duke de Berry —
Dangerous excess of joy — Reception of Louis XVTH. in London — He ia
invested with the order of the Garter — French and English depute-

xvi Contents.

PAO»

tions - Delight "i" the people of England — Cardinal Maury'a mysterious
visit - Scene in the Archiepiscopal chapel 493

I SAPTER LI.

Hie i<>\ of Paris — Conversation of the Emperor with the postmaster at
MonteTimart — Inhabitants of Avignon always violent — Public officers —
Faithful Boldiers at Donzene — Fury <>f the populace at Orgon — Anecdote
of Nicholas — Tlie Emperor arrives at Avignon — Precautions — Devotion
of an officer — An harangue — Proposals for assassination — Vincent, the
butcher of Avignon, and one of the assassins of la Glaciere — Recrimi-
nation— The female servant at the inn — The Princess Pauline — Mon-
sieur tie Montbreton — ... disguise — "O Napoleon, what have you done!"
— The Emperor in the midst of five hundred peasants — Jacques
Dumont — Recollections of Egypt — Two hundred messengers to carry
one letter — Departure for Porto Ferrajo 504

CHAPTER LII.

Anglomania — A stroke of the pen — Fete of Prince Schwartzenburg at St.
Cloud — The Comedie Francaise — The Polonaise — OEdipe — Maubrueil
and Talleyrand, and the robbery of the diamonds of the Queen of
"Westphalia — Maria-Louisa — The ices of the Duke de Berri — The grena-
dier— 0 Richard! 0 mon Roi! — The priest — The Emperor's alms —
Embarkation — Pretended conspiracy — Victims — I make my Court —
Presentation — Louis XVIII. — Lord Wellington — Embarrassment — The
riding-coat and dusty shoes — Fetes at Vienna — Napoleon 51 1

CHAPTER LIII.

M. Dumoulin of Grenoble, at Porto Ferrajo — An audience — The Emperor's
opinion on Dauphine — Monsieur Fourrier prefect of Grenoble — Depar-
ture of M. Dumoulin — Resolution of the Congress — The landing — Or-
ders for Grenoble — M. Gavin — Proclamation — Charles de Labedoyere
— Dauphine — Nobility offer their services — Projects for defence — Cafe
Tortoni — Caricatures — Monsieur Jaqueniinot (now General) the princi-
pal actor in the scene — Madame de Vaude — Conferences — The Duke de
Feltre minister of war — Alarm of the Congress — Order of march —
Monsieur Barginet of Grenoble — Recollections of the chateau of Vi-
zille — Successive desertions from the King — Orders are given twice to
fire upon the Emperor 52J

CHAPTER LIV.

Arrival of the Emperor at Vizille — What have you there, Sir Priest? —
The white riband — The Marseillaise, and the Chant du Depart — The ap-
proach of the troops — Seventh regiment of the line — Labedoyere em-
braced by the Emperor — History of the Seventh — The eagle concealed
in a drum — Triumphal march — The aide-de-camp always for fir'ng —

CONTENTS. XV11

pask

New obstruction — Dr. Emery — Gates of Grenoble burst open — Novel
species of homage to be offered at the feet of an Emperor — Inn kept
by one of the veterans of Egypt — Knight of the Legion of Honour and
brevet-officer — M. Dumoulin in 1830 — Lafayette twice fatal to the Im-
perial dynasty and the destinies of France — M. Champollion Figeac —
Plan for reaching Paris without firing a gun — Diplomacy — Presenta-
tion of the Bishop and Cures of the four parishes of Grenoble — The
Imperial court — Rejoicings — Kiss on both cheeks — Jury tricoloured
flag — Speech of a free and brave man 532

CHAPTER LV.

Departure from Grenoble — Approach to Lyons — The old farrier, mayor,
and orator — Appearance of resistance — Marshal Macdonald — The Count
d'Artois at Lyons — Napoleon enters Lyons — His address to the Na-
tional Guard, and to the Lyonnais — The Duke of Orleans defeated by
the Emperor's troops at Bourgoing — M. de Bluca — Sitting of the Cham-
ber of Deputies — Oath of the Princes to the constitutional charter —
M. Dandre — Departure of Louis XVIII. — Melancholy impressions —
Arrival of the Emperor in Paris — His reception by the people —
Secret influence of Fouche — Sinister presentiments — The French Mar-
shals of 1815 — Reverses — Waterloo — Conclusion tii 1

40

MEMOIRS OF NAPOLEON,

Uis Court, anir <$am%

CHAPTER I.

Oor Russian and English friends — M. von Cobentzel's travelling costume —
French Institute — Messieurs Denon and Millin — David the painter — The
steam-pumps of the brothers Pcrrier — Mirabeau and Beaumarchais — The
museum of the Louvre — The Committee of Public Instruction — M. Denon,
and the old paintings — Original drawings of the great masters — The gallery
of Apollo — Visit to M. Charles the philosopher — The camera obscura, and
M. von Cobentzel's secretary — Mademoiselle Chameroy — Scene at Saint
Roch — Napoleon's anger — The Archbishop of Paris — The cabinet of medala
— The National Library — Its rich contents — Charitable institutions — The
barriers round Paris.

In compliance with the expressed wish of the First Consul, several
English and Russian friends were invited, to their great satisfaction,
to join all our excursions, to view the objects of art; and M. von
Cobentzel, hearing that intruders were admitted, begged to be included
among the elect, and was not refused. The recollection of his travel-
ling costume affords me, even now, a degree of that hilarity with
which my young mind first scanned it. He arrived at my house at
twelve o'clock, accoutred like Baptiste the younger, in the Orator
thwarted, with the exception of the helmet, the absence of which was
fully redeemed by a little turned up three-cornered hat, and all this
preparation was for a ride, not to the valley of Montmorency, but to
the Hue de Richelieu, or the Louvre. He proved, however, the best
and most agreeable of companions on such occasions, for he was re-
markably well informed^ and could converse with interest on all
Bcientific subjects. Among our most intelligent and most polite

i NAPOLEON, niS COURT AND FAMILY.

guides were Mill in, Denon, the Abbe Sicard, who was at the head Oi
the institution of the blind, M. Lenoir of the Museum of the Petits
Augustins. and Reigner, Director of the Armoury.

David was also one of our most useful eicerones. Although ha
nnd Robert did not very cleverly understand each other's vernacular
tongue, they were both versed in the language of science, which needed
no interpreter between them. I indulged a few moments of pride in
the triumph of French talent over foreign prepossession. The name
of David produced at first rather a singular effect; but the mist of
prejudice speedily dispersed in presence of the head of our regenerated
school, and David was not only received, but sought after by all that
was noble or enlightened in Paris, even from the most distant lands.
It was, however, in his own gallery that the victory was completed.
His Belisarius was there to be retouched, which is not the less a fine
picture for being somewhat inferior to Gerard's. There is poetry in
the old soldier recoiling with surprise and pity at the sight of his
aged General, blind, and soliciting alms. It must, I think, have been
this picture which inspired Le Mercier's admirable cantata, for I can
call it nothing else, which Garat has so finely set to music.

We visited the Gobelins* and other manufactures of Paris, and
extended our excursions to some leagues distance, to Jouy, Virginie,
Versailles, &c, and amongst other curiosities the steam-engine of
Chaillot, called the Perrier waters, which Paris owed to the skill of
two brothers of that name in 1778.

A circumstance, not generally known, relating to the Perrier
waters, is the controversy between two highly celebrated men on the
subject of the original company's proceedings. Beaumarchais and
Mirabeau were the parties in this paper war, which degenerated into
virulence and abuse for want of temper on both sides ; not content
with carrying it hrough the medium of the journals, pamphlets were
circulated, which are now extremely scarce, and not to be met with
at all in the shops. Mirabeau accused Beaumarchais of making a
stock-jobbing affair of it. The fact is, that several proprietors having
treated with the government, the latter came into sole possession, and
the pumps were placed under the direction of public functionaries.

* It has been generally said that this establishment was first instituted by
Colbert, the Minister of Louis XIV. This, however, is a mistake. Jean Gobelin
had a manufactory on the same site as the present, about the year 1400, and
chose this spot, as well as many other dyers, owing to the excellent quality of
a small stream, the Bievre, for the purposes of dyeing woollen goods. This
man realized a fortune, and added considerably to his premises. Subsequently
Colbert purchased the whole, and it then became a royal manufactor}'.

GALLERY" OF THE LOUVRE. 5

One of our earliest visits was paid, as may be supposed, to the
museum of paintings, which, independently of the curiosity so ad-
mirable a collection (then the finest in the world) must universally
inspire, was moreover a novelty to the French themselves ; as the
gallery had been but a very short time adorned with those numerous
chefs ifoeuvre that we had conquered from barbarism and indifference,
and in many instances, as I shall presently prove, from approaching
and total ruin.

The establishment of the museum of painting and sculpture, in the
situation it now so beneficially occupies, is due to M. Thibeaudeau,
who, in 1702, was a member of the committee of public instruction,
where his voice was as influential as it deserved to be ; and the con-
vention, in compliance with the report of that committee, ordered the
establishment of a national museum, and fixed the 10th of August in
that year for its opening.

On the first opening of the gallery of the Louvre for the reception
of works of art, nearly five hundred and fifty paintings, by the first
masters of every school, were deposited in it ; but it was not till
1798 that the museum was enriched by that profusion of inestimable
treasures of art, from Italy, Piedmont, Holland, and the Netherlands,
which rendered it the first in Europe. In the spring of 1800, they
were opened to general inspection, but the restoration of such works
as had sustained injury was not completed till 1801, when we were
at length enabled fully to enjoy the rich fruits of our various con-
quests. Denon had himself restored many of the finest productions
to more than their pristine virtue, these were yet in the grand saloon
of the Louvre, waiting to be placed in the gallery, where they were to
make an incalculable addition to the value of the treasures already
committed to his charge.

The Institute had published notices of the paintings exhibited, and
Denon, though a contributor to that catalogue, had himself compiled
a similar one. Both contained curious details respecting the pictures
and their adventures. The walls of the gallery then displayed twelve
hundred and forty pictures, by the first masters, and of all the
schools.

The gallery of Apollo had been opened to die public a few days
previous to our visit, and contained a new treasure, consisting of
original drawings, not only of French painters but of all the Italian
schools. There we contemplated the first ideas of Raphael, Carlo
Maratti, Michel Angelo, Buonarotti, Leonardo da Vinci, Corregio,
Gucrcini, the three Caraccis, Julio Romano, Pcrruginn, Tintoretto,
and a number of other illustrious nanies. Denon told me that this

6 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

gallery had always been dedicated to drawings A-hich, however, till
the resurrection of our museum, remained nearly in obscurity, though
amounting in number to more than eleven thousand, principally by
Lebrun, Jabach, Lesueur, Lanoue, Poussin, and others whose slightest
efforts are deserving of attentive study.

There were, however, but few drawings of the Flemish, Dutch,
nud German schools. Amidst that profusion, where the eye, fatigued
with the beauties and wonders of the Italian school, reckoned more
than three hundred original drawings of each of the famous painters
1 have mentioned, but one could be found of Rembrandt's, one by
Ruysdael, and three by Teniers, so fertile in the productions of his
easel. At that time we had only one drawing by Van Huysum ;
Rubens alone produced seventeen or eighteen.

It is unnecessary to dwell on the rarities that enriched the gallery
of Apollo! Magnificent tables of the finest mosaic, ancient bronzes,
Etruscan vases, etc. ; and in the adjoining room how many precious
curiosities were deposited !

The museum of armoury was not in existence at the time of our
rambles, but was already commenced under the superintendence of
M. Reigner, and we were shown at his house a number of singular
curiosities ; such as a small missal, enclosing a pistol ; an ancient
emblazonment partly effaced, was still sufficiently distinct to indicate
its having been formerly the property of a high dignitary of the
church. M. Reigner had already amassed a large collection of rare
and curious arms, which his care had preserved from the revolution-
ary wreck. Many notable articles from the chateau of Chantilly, and
the royal wardrobe, were in his possession. The armour of Joan of
Arc and Charles the Bold were also among these treasures of anti-
qui y. Joan's armour was not complete, yet the weight of the
remaining portion amounted to sixty-six pounds. This feminine
panoply was of most singular construction, uniting the uttermost
extremes of deficiency in safety and ingenuity to avoid fatigue.
I know not whether Agnes Sorel was attired in similar armour, when
on her white palfrey she occasionally followed her royal paramour to
the field.

During a visit we paid to M. Charles, a scientific man, who had
constructed in the upper story of his house a magnificent camera
obscura, a ludicrous incident occurred.

M. von Cobentzel had solicited the addition of one of his private
secretaries to our party, for the purpose of taking notes of all that
passed under our observation ; and he desired the poor secretary to
go down to the court, walk twice across it, and when in the middle to

NAPOLEON DISPLEASED WITH THE CLERGY. 7

take off his hat and make us his best bow The unfortunate wight
who did not much like the part he was to perform, set out with all
tha reluctance of a jaded horse. To descend two or three hundred
steps, then mount again, and afterwards return by the same circuitous
route, and all for the simple purpose of making a genuflexion, was
not indeed calculated to afford much diversion to the actor : but he
would have been amply repaid could he have witnessed the intense
delight of M. von Cobentzel. No sooner did he perceive his man at
the extreme point of vision, than he broke into the most joyous
exclamations. As he advanced, the raptures increased ; but when at
length the secretary, faithful to his injunctions, stopped in the middle
of the court and made us his three obeisances, civilly taking off his
hat, as every man who knows how to salute is in duty bound to do,
oh ! then M. Von Cobentzel screamed with delight, as children do the
first time they see the magic lantern — clapped his hands, danced, and
returned the salutations of the secretary, addressing him in German ;
in truth, it must be confessed, in extenuation of his absurdity, that it
was not a little amusing to see before us, at the distance of a hundred
and fifty or a hundred and eighty feet, a little figure offering to our
view, not a resemblance, but the very identity of a person who, but
the moment before, was of our party. About this time an event
occurred which made much noise at Paris. Mademoiselle Chameroy,
a famous dancer, had died in childbed, greatly lamented by Vestris.
The Cure of St. Roch deemed the profession of the deceased and the
mode of her death doubly scandalous, and in all charity refused her
admission within the pale of the church.

The people of Paris were not yet, as in 1816, replaced under the
ecclesiastic sceptre ; they were discontented ; the Cure did but aug-
ment the evil by grounding his refusal on facts injurious to the
memory of the unhappy deceased ; the storm had begun to threaten
when it was dispersed by Dazincourt, who acted in this emergency
with courage and firmness, and succeeded in preventing a scandal
still greater than that which the Cure sought to avoid, for the people
were beginning to talk of forcing the church doors. Dazincourt pre-
vailed 3n them to carry the body to the church belonging to the
convent of the Fillcs-Saint-Thomas, where the functionary performed
the funeral service, and the matter terminated.

Not so the First Consul's displeasure ; his recent restitution of
the clergy to their churches, and provision for their support, was
accompanied by the implied condition that intolerance and fanaticism
should be expunged from their creed ; and a sort of hostile declara-
tion on their part, following so closely upon the recovery of their

3 NAPOLEON, IIIS COURT AND FAMILY.

immunities, extorted a frown, and excited him to let fall some of
tii se expressions which never escaped him but when he was violently
agitated. "They were t<><>lish to insist," said he, in the presence of
a large company; "if the Cure of St. Roch was determined to create
scandal, they should have carried the corpse straight to the cemetery,
and induced the first wise and tolerant priest who passed near to
bless tin' grave ; there are still many good ones. The Archbishop
of Paris, for instance! lie is a worthy clergyman. What a ven»
erablc old age is his ! That man may say within himself,

•• • I have attained this advanced age, without having injured any
one: 1 have never done any thing but good.' And do you know
why ? Because he acts upon the moral precepts of the gospel.
Whenever, in his former diocese, he wanted alms for the poor, and a
ball or fete was given in the neighbourhood, he appeared among the
company to plead the cause of charity, while his heart was opened
by mirth and pleasure : he knew that it wras then most sensible to
virtuous impressions, and his austerity did not take alarm at the tune
of a dance. Yes, he is a worthy priest."

The Cure of St. Roch was condemned to do penance, which was
announced officially to his parishioners in the Moniteur. The latter
article is in a peculiarity of style which betrays the hand, or at least
the mind of the First Consul ; those who intimately knew him will
recognise the turn of his peculiar phraseology in the following copy :
" The Curate of St. Roch, in a temporary forgetfulness of reason,
has refused to pray for Mademoiselle Chameroy, and to admit her
remains within the church. One of his colleagues, a sensible man,
versed in the true morality of the gospel, received the body into the
church of the Filles-St. -Thomas, where the service was performed
with all the usual solemnities. The Archbishop has ordered the
Cure of St. Roch three months' suspension, to remind him that Jesus
Christ commands us to pray even for our enemies ; and in order
that, recalled to a sense of his duty by meditation, he may learn that
all the superstitious practices preserved by some rituals, but which,
begotten in times of ignorance, or created by the over-heated imagi-
nation of zealots, degrade religion by their foolery, were proscribed
by the Concordat, and by the law of the 18th Germinal."

Poor Mademoiselle Chameroy was a charming dancer, and pir-
ouetted delightfully ; but how w^ould her reputation fall off" now, if
compared with Mademoiselle Taglioni ! The course of the Opera has
reversed that of all the other theatres ; their glories are extinct while
it has risen higher — but in its company and decorations only ; such
beautiful ballets as Psyche and the Danso-Mania, Flora and Zeohy-

CABINET OF MEDALS AT PARIS. 9

rus, and many other charming compositions of the olden time, must
no longer be looked for. The cabinet of medals and antiques was
much less frequently visited during the Consulate, than at the present
day.*

Millin, its guardian, was truly proud to usher us into his own
domain, as that portion of the national library confided to his care,
may be properly called. Such historical memorials of the earliest
ages and of all nations, offered an interesting field of investigation,
half the pleasure of which may fairly be challenged by our learned

* A slight history of the formation of the cabinet of medals will not be
uninteresting here. The cabinet was not always in the royal library. It was
commenced at the Louvre. Francis I., who appears to have been the first king
of France who interested himself with such subjects, collected some gold and
silver medals of the middle ages, not to form a cabinet, but as ornaments for
his apparel, and for that purpose had them enchased in rich gold and silver
filligree. He was followed by Catherine of Medicis, who brought an abundant
store of such curiosities from Florence. Charles IX. increased his mother's
collection by that of the learned Groslier. But the civil wars, the commotions
excited by the league, produced an era of destruction that nothing could resist,
and the medals were almost entirely pillaged and dispersed. The good king
who succeeded, would willingly have remedied all the evils of those disastrous
times : he recovered some of the stolen gems, and summoned the learned Ba-
garris to Paris, to superintend the cabinet of medals he intended to form. But
alas ! death intervened, and his son, a perfect cipher, did not concern himself
with following up the plans of his predecessor. Bagarris quited Paris, cany
ing with him the treasures he would have contributed.

The fine cabinet of medals and antiques of the Louvre, was at length insti-
tuted by Louis XIV., that is to say by Colbert, who, far more deserving of
the name of great, than his vainglorious master, augmented that rich collec-
tion by whatever treasures his extreme economy enabled him to purchase : he
despatched enlightened connoisseurs into Switzerland, Italy, and Greece, to
select the most valuable specimens, but it would seem that a sinister fate lias
invariably attoi ded an institution which should be distinguished in the annals
of science alone. In 1662 the Duke of Orleans, father of the celebrated Mad-
emoiselle, bequeathed to the king all the rarities, medals and manuscripts, in
the Chateau de Blois, where he resided ; and Bruneau, the well-informed
keeper of the collection, was appointed by Louis, conservator of the medals
of the royal cabinet. In November, 1666, this unfortunate man was assassi-
nated and robbed in the Louvre itself: and the circumstances of the crime
made it apparent that the medals were the object of the assassins. The pre-
cious deposit was in consequence transferred to the royal library, which was
then, as it is now, in the line Vivienne.

An antiquary named Vaillant enriched the cabinet of medals, by an ample
harvest brought from Africa, Persia, and the most distant countries. In 1776
under the reign of Louis XVI., it acquired the immense collection of M. Pelerin,
comprising many ran: and precious articles, and amounting to no less thai!
thirtv thousand medals

10 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Instructor. The medals, when we saw them in his keeping, were nol
yet arranged with all the care which had been bestowed on them
before the disgraceful robbery of last year; but the collection already
boasted sixteen hundred drawers, besides those in the middle of the

room.

1 cannot exactly recollect whether it was General IlitrofF, aide-de-
camp of the Emperor Alexander, then in Paris, and one of the best
informed persons I have ever met with in the numismatic science, that
aero m | »anied us to the cabinet of medals, or a Germanized Dane; but
whichever it was, his presence gave rise to a warm discussion respect-
ing one of the votive bucklers found in the Rhone, upon which opinions
were very much divided ; the foreigner maintaining that the design
represented the continence of Scipio, while Millin defended the anti-
quity of his buckler, declaring it to mean the restoration of Briseis to
Achilles, and this opinion agrees with that of Winkelman. It weighs
forty-two marks, and is six feet and a half in circumference; another
is forty-three marks in weight and six feet nine inches round. The
cabinet contains numerous similar pieces, but our scientific riches
consisted chiefly in medals. We had many that were unique, and the
nationality of such a treasure ought to have made cupidity itself
tremble to covet it. The gold medallion of Justinian, which is justly
at the head of the collection, is three inches in diameter. Another
choice medallion, engraved with a fine head of Pescinnius Niger, is in
silver. Next to this were medals of Romulus; Alexander, a tyrant in
Africa ; and the younger Antoninus. If this last medal has been
stolen, it is an irreparable loss to art and to France, so indeed are all
the others I have mentioned above.

Amongst other parts of the national library, we saw the cabinet
of manuscripts, at the head of which at that time was M. Langles,
containing Chinese manuscripts, those of the Arabian Tales, the
thousand and one nights, so dear to all who have derived from nature
a fertile and creative imagination ; an immense quantity of Hebrew,
Tartar, Greek, and Latin manuscripts, and amongst them perfect
copies of Propertius, Catullus, Tibullus, and Sappho, and a poem
by Claudian, etc. It is well known that the library* now occupies
the Palais Mazarin, and that the largest of its five rooms was for-
merly the Cardinal's library: it is a hundred and forty feet long

* The Royal Library contains now (1836), 800,000 printed books, 100,000
volumes of manuscript, 1,000,000 of papers relating to Natural History. During
the year 1825, 15,000 volumes were added to it, and a great number of curioiw
pamphlets. The prints are contained in 7325 portfolios, amounting to about
1,400,000

CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS. 11

by twenty-two in width. The ceiling was painted by Romanelli.

The cabinet of engravings, water-colour drawings, title-deeds, and
genealogies is also very curious ; the collection of engravings made by
the Abbe Marolles, contains specimens from the year 1470, when the
art was first invented, up to the present day. I would particularly
recommend to the attention of visitors a collection of engravings or
stamps made to illustrate an edition of Dante in the year 1481, only
eleven years after the first invention of the art. At the time wo
thus visited, like foreign travellers, this magnificent depot of human
truth and error, the number of its printed books, as we were informed
by the persons at the head of the establishment, were upwards of three
hundred thousand; of the manuscripts, fifty thousand ; and the cabinet
of engravings might contain three hundred thousand pieces in ten
thousand portfolios. We visited also the libraries of the various public
edifices, but after examining that which I had so much admired, it was
mere waste of time. It must certainly be admitted, that in whatever
advances the interests of science, Paris is the most amply endowed
city in the world.

All the charitable institutions, of which I had partly the superin-
tendence, by virtue of Junot's office as commandant, of course attracted
our attention, as well as other establishments calculated to excite
curiosity ; such as the Orphan Asylum, the Museum of Natural
History, that temple of nature, comprising an abridgment of the
universe, which the solicitous care of Messieurs Thibeaudeau and
Fourcroy rescued from the general destruction of the days of terror;
and to which M. Chaptal, when he rose to a place in the ministry,
afforded his special protection, as belonging to the science he professed.

We dedicated one day to a survey of the barriers, those proofs
of the folly of M. de Calonne, and no less of M. de Brienne, however
he may have afterwards repented it. Those barriers, destined to
promote the interests only of the farmers-general of the revenue,
excited horrible complaints all over the city. The new enclosure
appeared to its inhabitants a species of prison, and even the unneces-
sary and ridiculous pains bestowed on the decoration of the barriers,
could not reconcile them to their confinement; but as the good
citizens cannot even scold without a laugh, ballads were composed
on the subject — for what do we not turn into ballads'? Among other
epigrams, the following was produced,

"Le mur murant Paris rend Paris inurmuranL"*
* This equivoque cannot be rendered in English.

12 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

These excursions occupied altogether six weeks; the party con
atantly varying with the engagements of our friends, who had all
occasionally Other calls, some of business, others of pleasure; for
my own part I have preserved to the present moment a sweet
remembrance of those days which passed so rapidly, yet were so
well filled.

chapter ir.

The First Consul's sponsorship — The eldest son of Madame Lannes, and my
daughter, the first godchildren of Bonaparte — Cardinal Caprara and the
Chapel of Saint-Cloud — Napoleon's ambassadors — Anecdote of the Prince
Urgent of England and General Andreossy, related by the First Consul —
Madame Lannes, Madame Devaisne, Madame de Montesquiou and Napoleon's
preferences — Lannes the Rolando of the French army — My daughter's des-
tiny— Ceremony of Baptism at Saint-Cloud — Cardinal Caprara's cap — Bap-
tismal gifts of the First Consul and Madame Bonaparte — Return of the army
from Egypt — Bianea, the heroine of the army — M. and Madame Verdier —
Anecdotes — Marmont and his wife — General Colbert — General Menou and
Monsieur Maret.

The children to whom the First Consul stood sponsor with Madame
Bonaparte (for he never admitted any one else to share the office
with him, except, indeed, very rarely, Madame Bonaparte, the
mother, and Madame Louis, his sister-in-law), were always baptized
with imposing ceremony. Soon after the publication of the Con-
cordat, several children, and amongst them my Josephine, the first
goddaughter of Napoleon, and the eldest son of Madame Lannes,
were waiting till the First Consul should appoint the time, to be
admitted to the sacrament of regeneration. I received with pleasure
an intimation to hold myself in readiness with my daughter, as in
two days Cardinal Caprara, the Apostolical Nuncio, would perform
the ceremony for all these little ones in the consular chapel at Saint-
Cloud. I do not know whether Cardinal Caprara may be very well
remembered at present; but he was one of the most crafty emissaries
that ever obtained, even from the seat of Saint Peter, a temporary
currency in the commerce of diplomacy. Notwithstanding the
decrepitude of his mien, the weak and subdued key of his musical
voice, the humility of his deportment, and the stealthy inquisitivenesa
of his glance; that head concealed under its gray hairs and the scarlet
cap of his order, more subtlety, more cunning, more petty perfidy,
than can well be imagined.

napoleon's ambassadors. 13

The First Consul, at that time, liked him tolerably well, seeing
in his various artifices only a source of amusement; for, as nothing
could then exceed the frank simplicity of our diplomacy, the Nuncio's
guarded reserve and insidious scrutiny were equally waste of time.
Generals Lannes and Junot, ambassadors to Lisbon, General Beurnon-
ville, to Madrid, General Hedouville, to St. Petersburgh, Andreossy,
to London, Sebastiani, to Constantinople ; all these selections, made
by Napoleon from the military ranks, sufficiently proved that the
missions with which they were charged required no other enforcement
than the will of him from whom they derived their credentials. It is
true, the national vanity suffered a little from the proceedings of
some of these personages, a rather diverting register of which is in
existence, exhibiting sundry infringements of courtly etiquette ; not-
withstanding all which this was, to my mind, the most glorious era
of French diplomacy.*

* The First Consul once related an anecdote which he considered favourable
to the Prince Regent's good taste, and it was very unusual for Napoleon to ap-
prove any word or act of the Prince of Wales, for whom he certainly felt nc
partiality, and was aware that the dislike was reciprocal.

General Andreossy had replaced M. Otto in London ; the General was by no
means deficient in politeness; he had been very well educated, but was un-
versed in the language of courts; he had entered the military service previously
to the Revolution, and was then too young to have acquired, from intercourse
with the best society of that day, those polished and obsequious manners which
are exacted by the highest ranks in all countries. England is, perhaps, of all
the nations of Europe, the most rigorous in this exaction. He was frequently in
company with the Prince of Wales, then the most amiable of heirs apparent, the
most liberal of men in all his notions. He frequently met the French ambassador
at the Duchess of Devonshire's and other tables, where the affability, easiness of
access, and apparently compliant and obliging disposition of a personage so near
the throne, could not fail of giving universal satisfaction; while the profound
and ceremonious respect observed by all who approached the Prince, and of
which his utmost condescension never tolerated a moment's transgression, im-
parted to His Royal Ilighness's popularity a tinge of aristocratic homage, the
(singular effect of which cannot be thoroughly understood by a stranger to
English manners. General Andreossy, who was always politely saluted by the
Prince of Wales, perceiving that His Royal Highness accosted with perfect
familiarity several persons, whom he (the General) considered greatly his own
inferiors, imagined lie might use his discretion in the article of etiquette ; and
chatted accordingly with the Prince in a style of easy indifference that soon
became insupportable to one who prized above all things that extreme elegance
and polished high-breeding of which he was the English model. Amongst hia
Offensive familiarities, was a habit the General had contracted of always calling
him Mon Prince! "Good God!" said he one day, to some one near him, "do
pray tell General Andreossy to desist from calling me Mon Prince! Why, I
ihjill be taken for a Russian Prince." To comprehend the full point of this

14 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

But where have I been wandering? From the keen, wily, artful
Cardinal Caprara, all reverential obsequiousness, coughing in the
chapel of St. Cloud, in full canonicals, with his eyes, and great part
of his cheeks, concealed behind an immense, pair of green spectacles
A remedy, perhaps you imagine, for nearness of sight. No such
tiling: but ('faring the penetrating look of the First Consul, that
glance which was dreaded even by the most crafty, he intrenched
himself behind a redoubt as the best means of escaping it. I have
been told it was but a repetition of the part his Eminence had enacted
at Florence during the negotiation of a treaty, in the course of the
Italian wars; but Napoleon, who knew that the Cardinal was not
near-sighted, rallied him so effectually, in the present instance, that
the spectacles disappeared.

On the day appointed for the baptism, we all went to St. Cloud
with our children. Madame Lannes and I were the two most advanced
in our maternity. Her eldest son, Napoleon, now Duke de Montebello,
was only a few months older than my daughter. He was a good and
lovely child, and possessed a degree of sensibility very rare at sc
tender an age; his mother doted on him, and not only punctually ful-
filled all the maternal duties imperiously enjoined by nature, but
entirely devoted herself to him, with a self-denial highly meritorious
in a young woman of such uncommon beauty and attractions. The
First Consul professed a high esteem for her; and this was no slight
distinction, for during the fourteen years of Napoleon's power, I have
known but two other females, Madame Devaisne and Madame de
Montesquiou, to whom he gave ostensible proofs of similar respect;
though he may have felt a warmer friendship for others, to say nothing
of a more tender sentiment. The conduct of Madame Lannes has on
all occasions justified the preference shown her by Napoleon over the
other ladies attached to his military court, who were highly affronted
at seeing her seated more frequently than themselves on the right of
the First Consul at table; chosen for a party of cards, at a hunt, or an
excursion to Malmaison. These decided marks of favour were no
doubt partly ascribable to her husband, that Rolando of the French
army, as Napoleon called him ; but those who, like myself, have
intimately known Madame Lannes, can conscientiously certify that
they were as much due to her own character as to the General's

repartee, it must be recollected that both France and England were at that
time inundated with foreigners, especially with Russians, the greater part of
whom were called my Prince, because their fathers, or perhaps their grand-
fathers, had been capital horsemen on the banks of the Borysthenes, or the
Yaik, the only qualification for nobility amongst the Cossacks.

A CHRISTENING AT ST. CLOUD. 15

fame; and of this the Emperor gave her the strongest p,-oof in nomi.
nating her as lady of honour to his second wife, — to her who was the
object of his tenderest solicitude, and who in return conferred on him
nothing but misfortunes, fetters and death.

My daughter at the period of her baptism promised all the loveli-
ness of grace which her advancing years matured. I may be pardoned
this effusion of maternal pride, for that beauty, those graces, and, I
may add, those talents, and, dearest of all, those virtues, are buried
beneath a religious cloister, and my child has bid adieu to the world.
Napoleon used to smile at the illusion I sought to pass upon myself
at that period in dressing my child as a boy. " What is your design V
inquired he one day, rather seriously, looking at my little girl, beauti-
ful as a Cupid, in a little dark-gray sailor's jacket and black beaver
hat. " What object have you in putting that child into such a dress?
Do you destine her for the superlative task of regenerating her sex,
and restoring the race of the Amazons ?" The inflection of his voice,
his smile, the expression of his eye, all indicated a degree of satire,
which made me cautious in my answer. " General," replied I, " I
have no intention of making a Joan of Arc of my child. The bronze
circle of a helmet and its chin-piece would be a very unsuitable mount-
ing for those pretty cheeks, where the lily and rose strive for mastery."
The First Consul looked again at my daughter. " It is true that little
noisy pet of yours is very pretty," said he, recollecting the circum-
stances of her baptism ; " and if she is not to wear a helmet or set a
lance in rest, I suppose it will one day be her vocation to be popess."

This was an allusion to an amusing little scene which took place
at the time when with pride I carried my beautiful child in my arms
to the baptismal font. She was then fifteen months old: the chapel,
the numerous company, the clergy, and the bustle, so terrified the
poor little creature that, hiding her pretty face in my bosom, she
burst into tears. She had not yet seen Cardinal Caprara; his toilet,
on occasions of ceremony, was not very quickly completed. 1 le
made his entrance at length from the sacristy, as red as a ripe pome-
granate ; resplendent in the blaze of many pastoral and cardinal
rubies, and eminent in withered ugliness sufficient to scare infantine
minds accustomed only to look upon gay smiles and merry faces.
As soon as Josephine saw him, I felt her cling closer to me, and
tremble in my arms, her rosy cheeks turning pale as death.

When the service was nearly ended, and the First Consul and
Madame Bonaparte approached the font to present the infants for the
ceremony of sprinkling ; "Give me your child, Madame Junot," said
the First Consul, and he endeavoured to take her, out sho uttered a

16 NAPOLEON niS COURT AND FAMILY.

piercing cry, and casting a look of anger on Napoleon, twined her
little anus closer round my neck. "What a little devil! Well,
then, will you please to come to me, Mademoiselle Demon?" said ho
to the little one. Josephine, however, did not understand his words;
hut seeing his hands held out to take her, and knowing that her will,
whether negative or commanding, was pretty generally absolute, she
raised her pretty head, fixed her bright eyes on him, and answered in
her childish gibberish, "I will not." The First Consul laughed.
" Well! keep her in your arms then," said he to me; "but do not
cry any more," he added, threatening the child with his finger, "or

..."

But his menaces were unnecessary. Josephine, now brought
tuarer to the Cardinal, was no longer afraid of him, but no doubt
thought him something very extraordinary ; and her eyes fixed on
the prelate, seemed to inquire what sort of animal he was. The Car-
dinal wore on his head the little black cap, resembling those of our
advocates, and which is the sign or ensign that bestows and sanctifies
the purple, and the object of ambition to every man who enters the
ecclesiastical profession. Its whimsical form, surmounting a face no
less singular, captivated Josephine in the highest degree. She mur-
mured no more, shed not another tear, suffered the First Consul to
take, and even to embrace her, and imprint several kisses on her
little round cherry cheeks, without any other mark of dissatisfaction
than wiping her cheek with the back of her little plump hand, after
every kiss. But her large eyes were meanwhile riveted upon the
person of the venerable Cardinal with an eager attention truly laugh-
able. All at once, when no one could possibly guess what the little
plague was meditating, she raised her round, fair, soft arm, and with
her little hand seized and carried off" the cap or barrette from his
Eminency's head, with a scream of triumph loud enough to be heard
in the courts of the castle.

The poor Cardinal, and all the assistants at the ceremony, male
and female, were as much alarmed and surprised as diverted by this
achievement. Josephine alone preserved her gravity. She looked at
us all round with an inexpressibly comic air of triumph, and appeared
determined to place the cap on her own head. — " Oh ! no, my child,"
said the First Consul, who had at last recovered from his laughing-
fit, "with your leave, — no such thing. Give me your plaything, for
it is but a bauble, like so many others," added he, smiling, " and we
will restore it to the Cardinal."

But Josephine was in no humour to surrender her gay prize ; she
would put it on my head, or on her godfather's own, but she had iw

RETURN OF THE ABAY OF EGYPT. 17

notion of restoring it to the cranium to which it rightfully pertained,
and when taken from her by force her cries were tremendous. — ■
" Your daughter is a perfect demon," said the First Consul to Junot ;
" by heavens, she has as stout a voice as the most masculine boy in
France ; but she is very pretty, — she is really pretty." As he spoke
he held her in his arms, and gazed on that captivating face, which in
fact was " really very pretty." She looked at Bonaparte without re-
sentment, and talked no more of leaving him, she even made a slight
resistance when I took her from his arms. "She is my godchild, my
child" said he, pressing her father's hand. " I hope you rely on that,
— do you not, Junot ?" — Junot in such moments had not a word to
offer ; his heart was too full. He turned a moistened eye on the
First Consul, and, when able to speak, said in a faltering voice, " My
General, I and all mine have long been accustomed to owe all the
blessings of our existence to your bounty. My children will experi-
ence its effects, as their parents have done, and like their parents,
they will devote their blood and their lives to you."

The day after my eldest daughter's baptism, Madame Bonaparte
sent me a necklace, consisting of several rows of fine pearls of the
size of large currants ; the clasp was composed of a single pearl of
the purest whiteness ; to which the First Consul added a present of a
different kind — no other than the receipted purchase-contract of our
hotel in the Rue des Champs-Elysees, which had been paid by Napo-
leon's order as a baptismal gift. It cost two hundred thousand
francs."

1 have not taken sufficient notice of an important event that
occurred about this time — the return of the army of Egypt. I was
already acquainted with many of Junot's friends ; but every day now
witnessed the arrival of troops of brothers in arms, and companions
in danger, whom Junot would run to meet, press their hands, embrace
them with transport, and introduce them to me with a faltering voice.
So rejoiced was he to see them return safe and sound, after escaping
the sabres of the Mamelukes and the perfidy of the English. One
day the servant announced that General Verdier awaited him in hia
cabinet, and that there was a lady with him. "By Jove, ' exclaimed
Junot, "that must be our dear gallant Bianca. I must run to see
her. Laura, I bespeak your friendship for her; she is a charming
woman." And away he flew. I had often heard of Madame Verdier,
and knew, that having followed the army to Italy as a singer and
actress, under the name of Bianca, she had married General Verdier,
and afterwards followed her husband in the eastern campaign, where
she never quitted his side. I had heard numerous traits of her ad
41

18 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Durable conduct, and had learned to esteem without knowing her;
bul the idea 1 had formed of the person by no means corresponded
with the figure now introduced by Junot. My imagination had por-
trayed a tall masculine form, jet-black eyes, raven hair, tawny skin:
and, in short, the whole semblance of a Chevalier d'Eon; my surpriso
may therefore be conceived on seeing a small, well-made, pretty,
graceful woman enter the apartment, with chestnut hair, complexion
rather inclining to fair than brown, pleasing manners, and a voice soft
as music! Madame Verdier, in short, very rapidly gained my heart.
Some portion of her history I knew almost from day to day, for she
had traversed the desert in company with Junot, who had imparted
to me his vivid remembrance of every thing that passed during that
journey. ''What!" said I, taking her delicate little hands, " could
this wrist lift a sword ! fire a pistol ! and guide a spirited Arabian
horse ?" — " Oh, yes ! dear Madam," answered she, with that soft in-
flection of voice, which in an Italian is harmony itself, "to be sure I
used a sword ! but, Holy Virgin ! not to kill ! But you know I must
follow the General !"

And from the naivete of her tone it might have been supposed it
was obligatory on all wives to follow their husbands to the wars.
Then she recited her fatigues in the Desert ; spoke of the burning
simoom, and of Junot's giving the small remains of water he had pre-
served, and afterwards his cloak, to shelter her from the abundant
dew, and making her a seat of two cross muskets.

" Caro, Carol" And she held out to him her pretty little hand,
which he shook as heartily as he wrould have shaken her husband's.
" Regard this amiable and charming woman with friendship," said
Junot, addressing me. Then he told me that in crossing the Desert
her horse was once a little behind ; and she was hastening to rejoin
her troop, when she met an unfortunate soldier afflicted with ophthal-
mia, which had quite destroyed his sight. The poor creature was
wandering in that sea of burning sands without guidance or assistance,
and gave himself up for lost. Madame Verdier approached and ques.
tioned him, and perceived with a shudder that his sight was totally
lost. And no relief at hand ! no possibility of procuring a guide !
" Well, then ! I will be your guide," said Madame Verdier. " Come
here, my friend, give me your hand — there — now do not let go my
horse ; when you are weary you shall mount him, and I will lead you.
We shall proceed more slowly, but God will protect us, no misfortune
will overtake us." ':Oh!" said the poor soldier, "do these sweet
sounds that hear fall from an angel's voice ?" " Why, my friend, I
am the wife of the brave General Verdier." And the excellent woman

junot's friends. 19

said this with an accent of simplicity and nature that went to his heart.

Madame Verdier brought me that day an article, -which with all
my experience in perfumery, I have never since been able to procure ;
a large bottle of essence of roses. It was neither attar of roses, nor
that rose water which we Europeans use for strengthening the eyes,
but gave the perfume of an actual bunch of the living flowers in its
most odoriferous species. She told me that the Egyptian -women
use this delicious essence, to which no other perfume bears any resem-
blance, when bathing. It had none of the strength of the attar of
roses, which affects the head so violently, and attacks aT the nerves ;
it was mild, sweet, enchanting. The Countess Verdier is no longei
living, but the General still survives.

Among the most remarkable of the acquaintances recommended
to me by Junot were; the excellent M. Desgenettes, for whom I
speedily imbibed a sincere regard, that subsequent years have not
diminished ; General Davoust, since a Marshal, whose return had pre-
ceded that of the rest of the army by some months. He frequently
visited both me and Madame Marmont, to whom I was much attached,
for no sooner did she arrive from Italy, after my marriage, than Junot
said to me, " Laura, Madame Marmont is the wife of the man whom,
next to the First Consul, I love best in the world. I cannot pretend
to direct your affections, but if Madame Marmont should inspire you
with sentiments similar to those I entertain for her husband, it will
make me very happy." Fortunately I found her all I could desire in
a friend ; and our intimacy was based, on my side, on real affection.
I shall return hereafter to this amiable lady, who deserves a chapter to
herself. General Joseph Lagrange, General Menou, M. Daure, the
two brothers of Augustus Colbert, one of whom, now Lieutenant-
general Edward Colbert, was about this time aide-de-camp to my
husband, these names, and many others which friendship's memory
has safely guarded, but which space will not permit me to place here,
were then pronounced in my hearing with expressions of attachment
and esteem. Never did I see more convincing proof of Junot's good-
ness of heart, than at this period of his life. His joy and emotion on
again meeting his comrades were sincere and extreme. The First
. Consul was equally affected, but his feeling partook of that grief which
the loss of a dear friend occasions ; and though he never showed his
dissatisfaction, 1 am sure he felt resentment and ill-will against General
Menou. That officer owed to the good offices of M. Maret, then
Secretary of State, that he was not disgraced ; and also his appoint-
ment, at a later pe'iod, to the government of the provinces beyond
the Alps.

20 NAPOLEON', HIS CO PUT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER III.

Prolongation of Bonaparte's Consulate — Senatus Consultum — Remarkable
answer and prophetic words of Napoleon — Breakfast given to Madame Bona-
parte at my house in the Rue des Champs-Elysees — General Sueliet and his
brother — My ball, at which the First Consul was present — Present of a hun-
dred thousand francs — Madame Bonaparte as Erigone — The Consulate for
life — The wish of the nation — Junot's objections to the measure — His quarro
with Napoleon, and his illness — The First Consul's conversation with me at
St. Cloud — His visit, to Junot when ill — Junot's recovery — Rupture with
England — Bad faith of the English government — Napoleon's preparations — ■
Lord Whitworth's departure — Consternation of the English at Paris — Mili-
tary preparations — Napoleon commands Junot to arrest all the English in
Paris — Napoleon grossly imposed upon by false statements — Colonel Green
denounced — Junot's remonstrance upon the injustice of the step — Result of
his discussion with the First Consul.

It was about the same time, that is to say, returning to the spring
of 1802, that the first appeal was made to Napoleon's ambition to
reign, by his nomination as Consul for another ten years, after the
expiration of the ten years fixed by the constitutional act of the 13th
of December, 1799. Very little attention was at that time paid to
this renewal or prolongation of power ; and the Senatus Consultum,
which appointed Napoleon Consul for life, conveyed the first warning
to the French people, that they had acquired a new master. It de-
clared that " the French Republic, desirous of retaining at the head of
her government, the magistrate who had so repeatedly in Europe, and
in Asia, conducted her troops to victory; who had delivered Italy;
who had moreover preserved his country from the horrors of anarchy,
broken the revolutionary scythe, extinguished civil discords, and given
her peace; for it was he alone who had pacified the seas and the
continent, restored order and morality, and re-established the authority
of the law; the Republic, filled with gratitude towards General Bona-
parte for these benefits, entreats him to bestow on her another ten
years of that existence which she considers necessary to her hap
piness."

The First Consul's reply is admirably conceived in the style of
true simplicity, and noble elevation ; and is besides pervaded by a
tincture of melancholy, the more remarkable, as the expressions are

PEOPHETIC WORDS. 21

for the most part prophetic: "I have lived but to serve my country,"
replied he to the Senate, — " Fortune has smiled on the Republic ;

BUT FORTUNE IS INCONSTANT; AND HOW MANY MEN WHOM SHE HAS
LOADED WITH HER FAVOURS, HAVE LIVED A FEW YEARS TOO LONG. As
SOON AS THE PEACE OF THE WORLD SHALL BE PROCLAIMED, THE
INTEREST OF MY GLORY AND MY HAPPINESS WILL APPEAR TO POINT OCT
THE TERM OF MY PUBLIC LIFE. BUT YOU CONCEIVE THAT I OWE TUB
PEOPLE A NEW SACRIFICE, AND I WILL MAKE IT," &C. &C.

In the present day this historical event has been the subject of
much discussion. The survivors of that brilliant epoch are still
numerous; and I appeal to all who like myself have preserved its
remembrance and fear not to reveal it. Let them describe the en-
thusiasm of France ; let them repeat to those who in the present day
will, with unblushing audacity, assert and re-assert that Napoleon
seized power, and usurped the crown, that usurpation consists in some
hundreds of individuals, profiting by the weakness and lassitude of a
nation, to impose on her an unknown yoke, through the medium of
miserable intrigues which honour disavows. Let them tell the
succeeding generation with what acclamations of affection Napoleon
was saluted when he travelled through France. Let them relate to
their children, and grandchildren, how he was received in that Vendee,
watered by so many streams of French blood ; that Vendee of which
he had been the pacificator !

The important organic Senatus Consultant I have cited above, was
presented to the First Consul, and his answer returned on the 6th of
May, 1802 (20th Germinal of the year X.) Junot, who felt for him
that passionate attachment which makes every thing a matter of ardent
interest which affects the happiness or honour of its object, said to me,
" We must celebrate at the same time this memorable event in the
life of my General, which testifies the love of a great nation, and our
gratitude to the First Consul and Madame Bonaparte for their generous,
favours. You must invite Madame Bonaparte to breakfast at out
bouse, in the Rue des Champs-Ely sees, before it is completed. She
must see it in its present state; to wait till it is furnished would delay
the project too long; would, moreover, deprive us of a new oppor-
tunity of inviting her. Arrange the matter with Madame Bonaparte,
and I will undertake for the First Consul."

I waited then on Madame Bonaparte and proffered my request :
she received it with extreme kindness. She was gracious whenever
an opportunity allowed, and with a charm of manner that enhanced
her favours. She accepted my invitation, therefore, conditionally.
"Have you ment'oned it to Bonaparte1?" said she. I told her thai

22 NAPOLEON, LIS COUHT AND FAMILY.

Junot was then with the First Consul making his request, and she
replied, " We must wail his answer then , for I can accept no fete or
dinner without Bonaparte's special permission." This was very truej
I had myself been witness to a sharp lecture she received from the
Firsl Ccnsul for having breakfasted with a lady for whom he him-
self entertained the highest esteem, Madame Devaisnes, only because
he had had no previous notice of it. I believe he was actuated by
prudential motives, and a knowledge of Madame Bonaparte's extreme
facility in accepting every thing presented to her ; at the Tuileries it
was difficult to approach her, as no one could visit there without
authority; yet even there a few intriguing old ladies paid their res-
pects to her regularly three or four times a week, with petitions,
demands for prefectures, seats in the senate, commands of military
divisions, places under the receiver-general, in short, nothing was
forgotten in this long list, except the good sense which should have
prevented such unbecoming interference. The First Consul was
aware that her favours were so unsparingly and indiscriminately dis-
tributed, that she would sometimes make fifteen promises at a single
breakfast, dinner, or fete ; he was consequently extremely particular
where he allowed her to go. He knew, however, that at our house,
she would meet only the same persons who visited at the Tuileries.

Junot was delighted at the kindness with which the First Consul
had received his request. He had granted it, but with the singular
addition of desiring that no other men should join the party except
Duroc and Junot, while the women were to be twenty-five. The
breakfast took place, but was not honoured by the presence of the
First Consul. Madame Bonaparte and Madame Louis came without
him ; Madame Bacciochi and Madame Murat were also present, and
all my young married comrades, if I may apply that term to the
wives of Junot's brothers-in-arms. Some were very agreeable, and
all in the beauty of freshness and youth ; so that no spectacle could
be prettier than that our table exhibited, when surrounded on this
occasion by from twenty-five to thirty young and cheerful faces, of
which not more than one or two could be called ordinary. Madame
Bonaparte was an astonishing woman, and must have formerly been
extremely pretty, for though now no longer in the first bloom of
youth, her personal charms were still striking. Had she but pos-
sessed teeth, I do not say ugly or pretty, but only teeth, she would
certainly have outvied nearly all the ladies of the consular court.

The breakfast passed off very well. When it was disposed of,
Madame Bonaparte chose to visit every part of the house, and in this
amusement the morning passed rapidly away. At three, Madame

MADAME BONAPARTE AS ERIGONE. 23

Bonaparte proposed a ride to the Bois-de-Boulogne. General Suchet
and his brother accompanied us, and did not take their leave till we
re-entered Paris. During the ride, Madame Bonaparte conversed
with me respecting our new establishment, and concluded by saying,
that she was commissioned by the First Consul to inform Junot and
myself that he presented us with the sum of a hundred thousand
francs, fur furnishing our house. " It is ready," added Madame
Bonaparte; "Esteve has orders to hold it at your disposal. For it
is of no use, Bonaparte says, to give them a house unless it be made
habitable."

Some time afterwards I gave a ball for my house-warming, when
its newly-finished embellishments appeared to great advantage. The
whole ground-floor was opened for dancing. The First Consul, whom
the Republic had just called to the Consulate for life, did us the
honour to be present. Madame Bonaparte had said to me the pre-
ceding day, " I am determined, in compliment to your ball, to dress
in the very best taste ; you shall see how charmingly I can perform
my toilet." She made good her promise. She personated Eripone\
her head was adorned with a wreath of vine-leaves, interspersed with
bunches of black grapes, her robe of silver lama was trimmed with
similar wreaths ; her necklace, ear-rings, and bracelets were of fine
pearls. Hortense accompanied her mother, and was on that occasion,
as on all others and in all places, graceful and fascinating. She
danced like a sylph, and I seem to see her still, slender as an aerial
nymph and dressed after the antique, in a short tunic of pink crape,
embroidered in silver lama, her fair head crowned with roses. I see
her, as she always was, the life of the party ; her gaiety, good humour,
and spirit of pleasing, imparting the same qualities to all around her.
The young people grouped about her, looked at her and loved her, as
the crowd would now and for ever follow and love her. As for the
First Consul, he insisted on seeing every part of the house, and Junot,
at his desire, acted as his cicerone to the very cellars and garrets.
He stayed only till one o'clock ; but for him that was a very late
hour, and we were proportionally grateful.

The Senatus Comultum requiring rather than declaring the pi o-
longation of the Consulate, did not appear sufficiently satisfactory ;
another was presented to the First Consul on the 31st of July or the
1st of August. Junot went early that morning to the Tuilcries, and
had a long interview with the First Consul ; and on his return assured
me that Napoleon was still undecided whether or no he should accept
the Consulate for life. It was two months after the requisition for the
prolongation of the Consulate for ten year-;, (hat he nation, sensihla

2 t NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AXD FAMILY.

of the necessity of preserving to the utmost possible extent that pro
tection under which France had scon her prosperity revive, demanded
the Consulate for life. But Napoleon, great as was his ambition,
desired that the will of France should justify it. An appeal was
ordered, registers opened. The citizens were at liberty to sign or
not, without fear of proscription, for it is remarkable that Napoleon
never revenged any political offence. Of this Moreau is a notorious
j i roof.

"The life of a citizen belongs to his country," replied the First
Consul to the deputation of the senate; "as it is the wish of the
French nation that mine should be consecrated to her, I obey her
will." Surely, he had a right to say that it was the will of the people,
for of three millions, five hundred and seventy-seven thousand, two
hundred and fifty-nine citizens, who voted freely ; three millions, five
hundred and sixty-eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety, gave
their vote in the affirmative. .

The opinions in which Junot had been educated were so entirely
and purely republican, that the Senatus Consultum declaring Napo-
leon Consul for life was, by no means, so agreeable to him as might
have been expected from his attachment, at a time when indifferent
observers saw in this event only the present and future welfare of
France. One day when we dined with the First Consul, at St. Cloud,
I remarked that Junot's countenance on returning to Madame Bona-
parte's drawing-room, after half an hour's interview with Napoleon,
was altered and wore an expression of care. In the carriage, on our
way home, he was thoughtful and melancholy ; at first 1 asked in
vain what had affected him ; but eventually he told me, that having
been questioned by the First Consul as to the opinion of the better
circles at Paris respecting the Consulate for life, he had answered that
it was entirely favourable — w'hich was the truth ; and that the First
Consul had observed, thereupon, his brow becoming stern and gloomy
as he spoke, "You tell me this, as if the fact had been just the
reverse. Approved by all France, am I to find censors only in my
dearest friends?" — " These words," said Junot, his voice failing so
much that I could scarcely hear him, " these words almost broke my
heart ! I become my General's censor ! Ah ! he has forgotten
Toulon !" — " But, it is impossible that the expression of your counte-
nance should have been the sole cause of his uttering such words !"
Junot was silent for some time, then, without turning towards me,
said, "No; J certainly spoke of our regret — I may use the word — on
reading the new Senatus Consultum which overthrows the constitution
of the year VIII.; in reducing the tribunate to a hundred and fiftv

junot's dispute with napoleon. 25

members ! The tribunate is a body much valued by the friends of
liberty and of the Republic — then the mode of election is absurd —
those two candidates for the senate — in short, all this has been found
great fault with in the country, particularly what has been done for
the council of state." I asked Junot what he meant had been donn
for the council of state.

" It has been recognised as a constituted body," said he : " I told
the First Consul that this measure had been ill received in many of
the provinces. I have been, as I always shall be, an honest and loyal
man — I shall neither betray my conscience, the interests of my
country, nor those of the man whom I revere and love above all
things; but 1 believe that I am serving him better in speaking the
truth than in concealing it. I then explained, that any expression of
dissatisfaction which he might have remarked upon my countenance,
was not to be attributed to his nomination as Consul for life, but to
the unfavourable impressions very generally produced by the nume-
rous Senatus Consulta, which for the last fortnight had daily filled
the 'columns of the Moniteur. The nomination for life of the two
other consuls, is also spoken of in terms that I do not like to hear
applied to any thing which relates to the First Consul. 1 have much
friendship for one of them, and a high esteem for the other, but why
should two magistrates be imposed upon the nation which certainly
has not raised its voice for them as for my General ? In fine, my poor
Laura, I spoke as I thought, and I begin to see that we have got a
court in earnest, because one can no longer speak the truth without
exciting displeasure."

This journey to St. Cloud caused Junot a fit of illness. His
affection for the First Consul was so great, that whatever tended to
disturb it went directly to his heart. Some days afterwards I received
an invitation from Madame Bonaparte to breakfast at St. Cloud, and
to bring my little Josephine. I went alone, because Junot was con-
fined to his bed by indisposition. Napoleon, it is well known, never
breakfasted with Madame Bonaparte, and never appeared in her
room in the morning, except occasionally, when he knew that he
should meet some persons there, to whom he was desirous of speak-
ing without exciting observation. This morning he came into the
room just as we were rising from the breakfast-table, and on ad-
vancing towards us, at once descried in the midst of the group, the
charming figure of my little Josephine, with her pretty light hair,
cuiliug round a face that beamed with grace and intelligence, though
she was only eighteen months old. The First Consul immediately
on seeing her, exclaimed, " Ah ! ah! here is our god-daugliler, th»?

26* NAPOLEON, niS COU11T AND FAMILY.

cardinaless! Good morning, n amselle — come, look at me —there,
open your eyes — Why the devil ! do you know that she is pro-
digiously pretty — the little thing resembles her grandmother — yes,
Jait!:. she is very like poor Madame Pennon. And what a pretty
woman she was — she was really the most beautiful woman I ever
saw."' As he was saying this, he pulled the ears and nose of my
little girl, who did not approve of it at all, and required some efforts
on my part to pacify her.

The First Consul soon afterwards drew me aside, and inquired
what was the matter with Juuot. In the conversation that ensued
1 let ween us, I frankly told him that my husband's indisposition
resulted from his exceeding susceptibility, and that he attributed
it to the dispute he had recently had with him.

The First Consul looked at me some moments without speaking
— took my right hand which held my little girl upon my left arm,
then suddenly rejected it with a very singular movement ; seized
Josephine's little white and mottled arm, kissed it, gave a pretty hard
tap upon her cheek, pulled her nose, embraced her, all in a minute ;
then disappeared like lightning. I repeated this little scene to Junot,
whom, on my return, I found very ill. He was not only morally
very irritable, but his constitution itself was opposed to his reasoning
tranquilly upon any thing that agitated him. His adventure at St.
Cloud had totally overset him.

On the same evening, while I was watching at his bedside, to my
great surprise, the First Consul made his appearance, having entered
the house very quietly. His presence and the kind words he ad
dressed to Junot, sensibly affected my husband.

He continued to walk on as he talked ; while I looked at him with
a fixed attention, and a smile which I could not suppress. At first
he did not remark this, but in the end guessed the cause, which was
the singular style of his costume, always absolutely laughable, when
he assumed the dress of a private citizen. From what cause I can
scarcely tell, but all the illusion of glory which surrounded him could
not make his appearance imposing when not attired in military uni-
form. It might arise from his being wholly unaccustomed to this
undress ; but at all events he was totally different in it, even in its
very eccentricity, from other men. On this occasion, his great-coat
was of superfine cloth, and his hat was a remarkably fine beaver, but
it was still of the same unfashionable make, and was set on the head
in the same peculiar manner, with the difference only from his former
appearance, that his hair was not powdered, and the curls had dis-
appeared.

napoleon's visit to junot. 27

" Well ! Monsieur Junot," said he, after having made the tour
of my apartments, the only portion of the house yet unfurnished,
' I hope this little journey round your domains has radically cured
you ?" Junot seized the hand which the First Consul presented to
him, pressed it between both his, and wept without answering. At
this moment he was neither the man of strong mind nor the coura-
geous soldier, but a feeble child. "To prove that you are quite
cured," continued the First Consul, " you will breakfast with me to-
morrow at St. Cloud. Good night, my old friend. Adieu, Madame
la Commandante?''

We attended him to the street-door. No one knew that the First
Consul was in our house ; he had imposed silence upon Heldt, the
only one of our servants who had seen him ; and it is well known
that Napoleon was not one of those persons who might be disobeyed.
He was right in this privacy ; the knowledge of his visit would but
have created jealousies : he had crossed the Tuileries on foot, and at
the entrance of the Champs-Ely sees, a chaise, or sort of cabriolet
drawn by two horses, which Duroc generally used, was waiting for
him.

Junot slept badly that night ; his mind was so ardent, that hap-
piness and sorrow were equally inimical to his bodily health. He
was, however, quite recovered the next morning, went to St. Cloud,
and returned perfectly enchanted. But a new storm was already
threatening. Fouche, whose rank should have made him the friend,
as he was the equal of his brother in arms, but who was, in fact, his
most active enemy, and the more dangerous because unsuspected,
took advantage of the extreme irritability of Junot's character, to
which it was so easy to give a sinister colouring.

It was some time after the adventure which I have just related,
that the rupture with England took place. Falsehoods of all kinds
have been written upon this subject; there are many persons who,
breaking the idol which they worshipped for fifteen years, do not
now hesitate to tell us that his fatal ambition caused all our losses ;
that he despised treaties, and violated that of Amiens, because he
hated Mr. Pitt. Without doubt, he was desirous of invading Eng-
land. Who would attempt to deny it? But he wished to do it at
a convenient time. Yes, in truth, he wished to set foot on the island.
He had too many accounts to settle with haughty England, to be
backward in hostility towards her; but he was not ir.sane ; and
General Soult was preparing at Boulogne an army for a continental
war, rather than for crossing the Straits.

The freaty was broken by England : her Carthagenian faith do

28 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

stroyed the parchment which promised alliance, while the heart
breathed nothing but war. The First Consul was apprized of the

intentions of the cabinet of St. James'. He held himself on the
defensive, ami took every precaution : is this deserving of reproach]
No. It was the great Conde's axiom, that a great captain might be
beaten, but ought never to be surprised. When, therefore, the reit-
erated messages of the King of England to his parliament in the
winter of 1803, and the harangues of his ministers in the same par-
liament, spoke of war as if the cannon had already sounded, is it to
be wondered that the First Consul, whom France had just charged
more solemnly than ever with her interests, should watch over those
interests with increased solicitude? He asks conscripts of the
senate,* because the King of England has organized the militia of
his kingdom ; he sells Louisiana to the United States, because the
capture of our ships, without any declaration of war, announces that
the third punic war is about to break out, and that money will be
wanted to prosecute it.

Lord Whitworth quitted Paris about the 15th of March, 1803.
The greatest agitation reigned among the English who continued
there. Junot, then commandant of the capital, was desirous that
its tranquillity should be as well attested as its splendour : he redou-
bles his cares. His daily reports and those of the Count Dubois, the
Prefect of the Police, and charged with the civil, as Junot was with
the military superintendency of the city, contained nothing alarming;
but there were men who pushed Napoleon upon a career which
threatened to be fatal to him ; and one of them commenced even at
that time those odious manoeuvres which pressed upon the Emperor
like the anathema of Providence. I am about to raise a corner of a
curtain, behind which is hidden numerous facts connected with the
rupture with England. I know them, and ought to speak out.
Many English people are still living who will understand me ; and T
have been assured by the Duchess of Devonshire herself, then Lad}
E. Foster, and by many others, that my information Avas correct.

The rupture was now complete, camps were formed on the borders
of Picardy and Normandy, and every thing they required had been
effected with the rapidity of lightning. General Mortier was sent to
Hanover, and Junot, to whom his absence occasioned a great increase
of labour, devoted himself to it with all the ardour with which it was
his nature to serve the First Consul, whom he conceived to be, in the

• One hundred and twenty thousand conaciipts were granted by the Senat*
during the month of April, 1£03.

KUPTUliE WITH ENGLAND. 29

present instance, chiefly concerned. One morning, at five o'clock, tho
day having scarcely dawned, an order arrived for Junot to attend the
First Coi.sul; he had been at work till four o'clock, and was just
retired to bed, but was obliged to rise and proceed immediately to
Malmaison; I waited breakfast for him, but he did not return; and at
ten o'clock, a horse chasseur of the consular guard, arrived with a note
tor the aide-de-camp on duty, demanding to have the daily reporl
instantly transmitted. My husband did not return till five in the
evening. It will be seen that the sitting had been long ; it had been
more stormy still.

When Junot reached Malmaison, he found the First Consul with
a ruffled countenance, contracted features, and every indication of one
of those terrible agitations which could not be witnessed without
trembling. " Junot," said he to his aide-de-camp, as soon as he
saw him, "may I reckon upon you as my friend 1 — Yes, or no1? no
evasion." — " Yes, General." — " Well, then, you must instantly take
measures for arresting all the English, without exception, in an
hour's time. The Temple, Monta'uju, La force, the Abbaye, there will
be room in the prisons, and they must all be confined. Their govern-
ment must be taught, that if it breaks the faith of treaties, confiding
in its island intrenchments for impunity, it may at least be punished
in that which it commits to the guardianship of an enemy who owes
it no fealty ! That perfidious cabinet refuses to surrender Malta ! and
gives for reason" — passion here checked his utterance, and he was
compelled to stop to take his breath. " They give for reason, that
Lucien has by my order influenced the court of Spain to dissolve the
Spanish priories, and that by the terms of the treaty, the island is to
be given up only on the entire reconstruction of the order. And
moreover, Junot, would you believe that this power, always wily,
always hostile, now pretends to except against the treaty of Amiens,
averring that its stipulations were founded upon the respective cir-
cumstances of the contracting parties, at the time of its signature'?"
Then drawing Junot to his desk, he put into his hands two letters, im-
porting, ir. effect, all that he had been just saying.

Junot was thunderstruck, not because the rupture with England
was announced; it was foreseen; it had even been known some days.
I3ut these letters contained what might be construed into an excuso
of the terrible measure which Napoleon had commenced. lie, to
whose orders he never made an objection; he, who might have said
to him, "Junot, give me your life," and it would have been given,
now required of him, commanded him to perform an act from which
his sense of honour, as much as the liberal principles in which he had

30 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

been educated, revolted. He stood motionless and silent. The First
Consul waited some time for an answer, but seeing Junot's attitude,
ho proceeded as if he had not even required one, and as if an interval
often minutes had not elapsed.

"This measure must be executed by seven o'clock this evening.
I do not choose that the most insignificant theatre, or the lowest
restaurateur of Paris, should this evening see an Englishman in its
boxes, or at his tables." — "General," said Junot, recovering himself,
'• vou are aware of my devoted attachment to your person and to
your interests. It is this very devotedness which makes me hesitate
to obey, without supplicating ycu, General, to take some hours for
reflection upon the measure which you wish me to execute." Junot,
while representing to the First Consul that he considered this measure
likely to prove injurious to his interest and his glory, did so with all
the deference which his conviction of Napoleon's superiority in all
things could not fed to inspire. The First Consul bent his brow as he
listened, and when Junot ceased speaking, exclaimed,

" Again ! what, is the scene of the other day to be renewed ?
Lannes and you take strange liberties. Even Duroc, with his very
tranquil air, thinks himself licensed to preach to me. But by heavens,
gentlemen, I will let you see that I can put my cap on the wrong way.
Lannes has found it out already, and I suspect is not much delighted
with eating oranges at Lisbon. For yourself, Junot, do not trust so
much to my friendship. The day when I doubt yours, will destroy
mine." — " My General," replied Junot, deeply hurt at being misun-
derstood, " it is not at the moment when I am giving you the greatest
possible proof of my attachment, that there is justice in talking thus
to me. Ask for my blood .... ask for my life .... you are master of

all that is mine but to command a thing which must . . . ." " Well,

proceed ! what should happen to me, because I return to a faithless
government the insults it heaps upon me ?" — " It does not become me,
my General, to decide how for your conduct may be correct; but I
am sure that if it should be otherwise, it is because you are fascinated
by men who give you none but mischievous advice, leading you to
acts of severit}r." — " Who are you speaking of?" — Junot at first made
no answer ; he knew who the persons were who merited this charac-
ter ; but to accuse was repugnant to his noble heart. . . .The First
Consul, however, pressed, and Junot at length mentioned the names
which were most publicly and violently animadverted upon, as evil
advisers. The First Consul walked as he listened, and appeared
absorbed in thought.

" Fouche," said Junot. "is my personal enemy. — It is not, however,

PROJECTED DETENTION OF THE ENGLISH. 31

from hatred towards him that I now speak, for I hate no one. More*
over 1 am just ; — I am willing to allow to Fouche all his merits. He
has talent ; but he serves you, General, in a fashion which your
friends would not like to adopt. He assumes, for instance, towards
the emigrants, and the inhabitants of the Faubourg St. Germain, tht
appearance of indulgence, and that, as he declares, in spite of the
danger which he runs of losing your favour in so doing. I, who know
there is no truth in this insinuation, — what can I think of it? But
this is not all ; I may r.lso say that you are often excited to a severity
foreign to your character, by reports in which there is little or no
truth. With respect to other personages, one of whom, General, is
near to your ear, and the other to your hand, to receive whatever
falls from it, I shall say but one word. — Duroc watches like them
over your safety ; well, General, receive his reports .... They are
those of an honest man — an honourable soldier ; they contain facts."
— " Nevertheless, these men are devoted to me ; one of them said
the other day, 'If the First Consul should order me to kill my fathei,
i would obey.' " The First Consul as he spoke cast a sidelong glance
of observation upon Junot, who immediately replied : " I know not,
my General, what extent of attachment is proved by supposing you
capable of commanding a son to kill his father ; — but that is of little
importance, for if a man is unfortunate enough to possess such feel-
ings, he is not likely to proclaim them."

Above two years afterwards, the First Consul, then the Emperor
Napoleon, in speaking to me of this scene, after my return from Por-
tugal, told me that he was at this moment on the point of embracing
Junot, so fine was the position he had taken up, in thus resisting him,
his general, his chief, a man all-powerful ; in thus even risking his
existence : — " For, in fact," added the Emperor, smiling, " I am not
very gentle, when in a passion — you know that, Madame Junot."

With respect to my husband, his conversation, or rather dispute,
with the First Consul, proceeded in warm terms. He even reminded
Napoleon, that at the departure of the ambassador, Lord Whitworth,
solemn assurances of security had been given to the English who re-
maini'd at Paris. "There are old men, women and children amongst
them, my General, and many who morning and night pray for your
welfare!* These are chiefly merchants, — for the upper classes have

* The number of English who at this period had a high admiration for Bo-
naparte was immense. Mrs. Wilmot, who was well known at Paris at thia
period, was an instance of the enthusiasm to which (his admiration was some-
times carried; slie kept, men in pay purposely to inform her when he went to
aay of the theatres; thither slie hastened, and by dint of money always suo

32 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

nearly all left Paris. The injury which confinement may do them ig
immense ami irremediable. Oh, it is not for you, whose great and
noble soul is capable of* all good, to confound a generous nation with
a perfidious cabinet. Are they necessarily identified?" — "Perhaps
they should lie," replied the First Consul in a gloomy tone, "but I
am neither wicked nor headstrong. It is possible yon may be right.
— However," — and going to his desk he took from it a paper, which
he read, again and again, several times; then giving it to Junot,
" Read this report," said he, "and answer, on your head, as you affect
to say, answer me on your head, that persons holding such opinions
can, without danger to myself, be suffered to remain at large in
Paris."

Junot, while listening to the First Consul, read the paper which
he had put into his hand. He was first struck by its absurdity, but
next, and chiefly, by its flagrant falsehood. It was then he requested
the First Consul's permission to send for the report of the clay, in
which he hoped to find something to refute this calumnious docu-
ment,— and he was not disappointed : Junot insisted that the First
Consul should cause inquiries to be made into the matter. A fact
was asserted, and it was important ; for it described a man having
dined at a certain house, and having, when somewhat flushed with
wine, used expressions insulting to the First Consul, and even com-
mitted himself so far as to speak of a new form of government, to
which the death of a single person might lead ; this happy state of
things, which the half-inebriated Englishman wished to favour us with,
we have already known, or rather forgotten, for it was the regency of
the Duke of Bedford. And this is what they had the hardihood to
call a report ! But the most singular, or the blackest part of the
business was, that this Englishman was a friend of Junot — the good
Colonel Green, who, you are to observe, was an enthusiastic admirer
of Napoleon. It was the same with Sir Sydney Smith ; while the
enemy of the First Consul, or rather of General Bonaparte, he ad-
mired him with his whole heart; and Junot, who understood this
gtuerous homage loved him for it.

All this Junot represented to the First Consul, who said in reply:
"Your language is persuasive enough, but out of all these sayings
and gainsayings I gather, that you and Madame Junot have a mania

ceeded in placing herself opposite to him. This lady was a relation of Mr
Pitt, and did not sacrifice her feelings to the ties of blood ; she was rich, in the
prime of life, and had a husband and five children, who all shared in her
sentiment for Napoleon. Lady Caroline Grenville was equally infatuated with
him.

NAPOLEON AND THE ENGLISH DETENUS. 33

for associating with persons who hate me. If this was not well known
to be the case, such words would not be imputed to your friends."
"1 am ignorant, General," said Junot, "whether Colonel Green may
or may not have uttered the words assigned to him by this report ;
though 1 will pledge my head that he would not so much as have
Imagined them ; but it is your pleasure that this point should be con-
sidered doubtful. I shall therefore confine myself to a refutation of
the calumny by one material fact ; which is, that to have held this
conversation the day before yesterday, otherwise the 1st of May, after
having drank five bottles of sillery wine, which upon the face of it is
impossible, it is at least necessary that he should have been at the
time at Paris ; which city Colonel Green quitted on the 17th of
April for London, whither he was called by important business."

The First Consul looked all astonishment; "His countenance
would have amused me," said Junot, " had I been in less serious cir-
cumstances; gazing on his aide-de-camp with a very peculiar expres-
sion he repeated, ' He is not in Paris !' •' " He is not, General, and
have the goodness to remark that this is not a mistake of a name, or
accident attributable to carelessness; it is an error, and an intentional
one ; the multiplicity of details by which the name is surrounded
proves this ; even if they had not added that he is my friend !" Here
with a furious oath he proceeded, " Nothing more is wanting but to
have made me a party to this execrable feast, where they wished, as
at that of Atreus, to drink blood."

All this scene, Junot, perhaps, related to me above a hundred
times; and at this point of it described his emotion as so violent, that
Napoleon came to him, took his hands, pressed them, spoke kindly to
him, and at length restored him to calmer feelings. The result of
this long conference, in which, towards the end, Cambaceres took
part, was that the English should have certain towns for prisons, so
long as they remained peaceable. "For," said the First Consul, "I
(oil)- treat them according to the rules of national law: they are
prisoners of war." Seeing that Junot was astonished at this declara-
tion; "Yes," he added, "prisoners of war; do they not form a
portion of the English militia?" Junot was about to reply that the
English militia is a national and not a military institution, and would
avail nothing in favour of the individual who .should claim the rights
of war as the proprietor of a militia epaulette; but he had prevailed
in obtaining a relaxation of the measure of actual imprisonment, and
this victory appeared f<> him sufficient for the present. The fact of
Colonel Green's alibi contributed greatly towards that, victory; \a-
Doleon was no tyrant, had no evil dispositions, and when unclouded
42*

34 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

truth and reason reached his ear, it was seldom denied access. ITe
was violently irritated against the man who had so grossly abused hia
confidence. He made much use of him nevertheless, raised him to a
high rank, but I know, and know it too directly and positively to
admit a doubt, that he never esteemed him. As for Junot, his own
conduct this stormy morning, honourable as it was, operated to his
prejudice, by those offensive expressions which were too apt to escape
him in momentary warmth of feeling. His opinion, offered with the
frankness of a soldier who respects his general, yet has the courage to
tell him the truth, such as he views it, was too little in harmony with
Napoleon's new impressions, not to have introduced to the mind of
the latter, seeds that could only be productive of evil fruits. All,
however, would have gone on well, but for the number of evil dis-
posed persons who surrounded the First Consul. I speak only of his
household, for Junot had numerous friends, especially in the army.
He was kind, faithful, valiant, and as susceptible as a woman; quali-
ties which, when combined, could not fail to find an echo in the
hearts which, at least in those days, composed the French phalanxes.

Of those attached to the household, I could reckon only on Duroc
and Rapp as active friends ; there were besides, Lemarrois, Lacuee
and Lauriston, who would not injure Junot; as for Berthier, he might
be a true friend, but he was inefficient ! There were other men whose
attachment showed that they had rightly understood Junot's character:
such as Esteve, and a few more, who loving the First Consul for his
own sake, and for his glory, felt a sympathy for one who loved him
with so much tenderness. But friendship, in the circle of a court
(and the Tuileries was already one), opposes but a feeble barrier
against malice and envy.

An affair that had occurred some time before at Garehi's was re-
called to the First Consul's mind; the venomous poison of slander
was infused into it, and it was then presented in a light attaching so
much suspicion to the commandant of Paris, that Napoleon, who,
though a great man, was not an angel, willing to give the command
of Paris to General Murat, sent Junot to command the grenadiers
assembled at Arras. The Senatus Cousultum for the erection of the
empire, was already under consideration, and I think the First Consul
was not sorry to find a pretext, for removing to a distance such of
his former brothers-in-arms as still cherished the old republican no-
tions. He knew mankind, and had no doubt that circumstances
would reconcile them to what was irrevocable, but the first shock was
to be avoided : that is but an idea of my own. Kit I believe it to be
just.

IMPOSING ATTITUDE OF FRANCE. 35

Junot, charged with the honourable task of forming that fine corps
of grenadiers, set out for Arras in the winter of 1803-4. A speedy
embarkation was expected, and Junot did not choose to expose me
and my children to useless fatigue. I set off, therefore, at the same
time for Burgundy, with my young family, to spend the interval of
Junot's absence with his father and mother. But finding at the end
of some weeks, that the moment of embarkation was indefinitely
postponed, Junot sent M. Limoges, his secretary, to fetch me ; and 1
accompanied him to Arras, where I took up my abode in the house
which the Prince of Conde had occupied. Many remarkable events
occurred in the year 1804, some of which I did not witness, being
absent from Paris ; but I saw the Emperor in the midst of the camp,
surrounded by his soldiers, and by those generals formerly his com-
rades, now his subjects.

My next chapters will describe the spectacle, unique in the history
of the world, which I there witnessed, of Napoleon's distribution of
the erosses of the legion of honour, to the deputations of the entire
French army. I saw him inspiring with adoration the conscripts just
snatched from their families; I saw him overlooking those seas swept
by the vessels of haughty England, pointing out to his soldiers the
shining cliffs of Albion, and while decorating the veterans with the
rewards of former glory, inspiring their juniors with emulation to
reap fresh laurels.

CHAPTER IV.

Proud aspect of France — Letter from Duroc to Junot — Conspiracy of Moreau,
Pichegru and Georges Cadoudal — The Duke d'Enghien — Drake, the English
Minister, at Munich — Suspicions respecting the Duke d'Enghien — Conver-
sation between Junot and the First Consul — Napoleon's remarks on Moreau
— Conduct of Bernadotte on the 18th Brumaire — Junot's return to Arras —
He receives intelligence of the death of the Duke d'Enghien — Intended expe-
dition to England — Junot's fine division of Grenadiers — Change effected in
their head-dress by Junot — Napoleon created Emperor — Davoust promoted
— Ilis peculiarities — Admiral Magon appointed to command the Fleet to be
employed in the English expedition.

France, at the period to which I am now about to allude, presented
an aspect unparalleled in the history of the world. The kings of
Europe attentively watched her changing destiny, without forming
projects to obscure the glory which, at its very dawn, appeared so

36 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY".

singularly dazzling. Haired ami envy had not yet subdued the ad-
miration excited by the colossus whose powerful hand protected oar
banners in those days of victory.

We had Itch at Arras about three months when Junot received
the following letter: — "My dear Junot, If your occupations permit,
write to Berthier to obtain leave of absence for four or five days. I
wish particularly to see you. I will explain to you why when we
meet. Do not mention that 1 have written to you. — Yours, Duroc.
February 14th, 1804." On perusing this communication, a presenti-
ment eaine across the mind of Junot. He would not even write to
Berthier; and at the risk of being severely reprimanded by the First
Consul, he mounted his horse; and, under the pretext of going to St.
Pol, a small towrn a few leagues from Arras, he set off full gallop to
Paris, where he arrived just at the moment of Moreau's arrest.

The conspiracy of Georges and Pichegru wras a most extraordinary
affair, not only on account of the mode in which it was planned and
almost brought to execution, but because there was involved in it a
man who had previously been an object of respect in the eyes of
France, and whose character was thenceforward totally changed.
This man was General Moreau. Moreau was arrested on the 15th of
February, Georges Cadoudal on the 9th of March, and Pichegru on
the 28th of February, 1804. The latter was immediately confined in
the Temple. The affair of the Duke d'Enghien is covered with so
mysterious and terrible a veil, that the hand trembles in attempting
to withdraw it. But history admits of no reservation ; it demands
that every thing should be candidly disclosed. How various have
been the versions of this unfortunate event !

In matters of this nature, without the most positive proofs of what
we allege, it is very difficult to persuade others to share our convic-
tion. I have mine, relative to the conduct of Napoleon on the occa-
sion here referred to ; but I shall not attempt to force that conviction
on my readers. I shall merely observe, that among the persons by
whom he was surrounded, there were some who strenuously endea-
voured to make him swerve from the right course which it was his
duty and his wish to have pursued. It cannot be doubted that the
imperial crown, placed by the unanimous wish of France on the head
of Napoleon, would have been no less solid and legitimate — that the
compact agreed on between the conqueror of the sovereigns of Europe,
and the men of the Republic, would have been no less sacred and in-
destructible— had the Duke d'Enghien never stirred from Ettenheim.
But unfortunately, Bonaparte had about him men who meditated his
downfall, because the spoil was already worth dividing. These men

AFFAIR OF THE Dl KE d'eNGHEIN. 37

found it their interest to lead into error one whose own judgment
never was at fault, but who unfortunately lent too ready an ear to the
suggestions of those about him.

After the discovery of the conspiracy, some time elapsed before
the two leaders, Georges and Pichegru, were arrested. Some papers
seized by the agents of Regnier, then grand judge and minister of the
police, excited fresh alarm. The investigation was pursued with re-
newed activity, and endeavours were made to imbue Napoleon with
a degree of uneasiness and suspicion which his noble mind would not
naturally have conceived. The papers above mentioned related to
Mr. Drake, the English minister at the court of Munich. This man
had written a letter referring to the English conspiracy, as it was
called, and the letter, which contained the following passage, excited
additional alarm : — " It matters little by whom the animal is over-
thrown. It is sufficient that you be ready to join in the chase, when
the moment arrives for putting him to death." In the different reports
of this conspiracy which were transmitted to Napoleon, mention was
invariably made of a tall man, who had visited the places of rendez-
vous which were known to the police. This man was wrapped in a
large cloak, and when in the street, a hat, slouched over his forehead,
entirely concealed his features. He had fair hair, a pale complexion,
his figure was thin and slender, and his deportment elegant. When
he presented himself amidst the conspirators, none of them sat down
until he desired them ; and his manner, though affable and kind, was
nevertheless marked by a certain degree of hauteur.

" Who can this man be ?" was the question asked from the chiefs
down to the subordinate agents of the police. Inquiries were set on
foot in Germany, in England, and in Switzerland, and there appeared
good reason to believe that the mysterious individual whom the rest
of the conspirators treated with so much respect, was no other than
the Duke d'Enghien. This information was communicated to the
First Consul, who was also furnished with proofs that the prince occa-
sionally absented himself for five or six days from Ettenheim.
Forty-eight hours to come from Strasburg, forty-eight to stay in
Paris, and forty-eight to return ; thus the interval of time was
accounted for. It had already been ascertained that the prince visited
Paris during the events of the 18th Fructidor. When this informa-
tion was laid before the First Consul, he frowned and looked thought
fill. The possibility of thus coming to brave him in the very heart
of Paris, appeared not only a serious offence in itself, but one which
might lead to consequences fatal to the interests of the state. I know
that the determination which was drawn from him by renewed im

8S NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

porfunity, was funned principally through these alarming report*
General Pichegru was arrested on the 18th of February; but it

was not until the whole affair of the Duke d'Enghien had been
decided, that the mysterious personage was ascertained to have been
Pichegru, and not the prince. The latter had not been in Paris, and
he had spent the six days alluded o in hunting, and in amusements
of a more agreeable nature than attending the meetings of conspira-
tors in a garret or a cellar.

On his arrival in Paris, Junot found the old friends of Napoleon
in a state of anxiety and alarm, in which the affection he cherished for
his General made him readily participate. In his interview with the
First Consul, the latter said to him, " You were wrong to leave
Arras at the present moment. It is possible that this arrest, to
which I have been constrained to give my assent, may produce some
sensation in the army, and every one should be at his post. Mij old
friend, you must set off again this afternoon ; your presence will be
more useful to me in Arras than in Paris." Junot looked sorrow-
fully at Napoleon, and represented that he had left behind him men
fully competent to act in his absence. He then earnestly entreated
to be allowed to join his old comrades in protecting Napoleon at the
present juncture.

Napoleon remained silent for a few moments ; then, advancing to
Junot, he took his hand and pressed it, which, as I have already
observed, was a mark of affection he rarely showed to any one. At
length he said, " Junot, I understand you, my friend ; and you will,
I am sure, understand me when I repeat, that you will at present be
more useful to me at Arras than in Paris. I am surrounded by
dangers, it is true ; but I have friends who will watch over my
safety. And, after all," added he, smiling, " my enemies are less
numerous than is imagined." "I am aware of that," replied Junot;
" and I am only anxious that the few you really have should be
punished. How can you, General, entertain a thought of extending
mercy to men who conspire not only against you, but against their
country ?" " What do you mean ?" inquired the First Consul in a
tone of astonishment. " I mean to say, General, that I know you
have resolved to solicit the legal authorities to be indulgent to
General Moreau. You are not justified in doing this. Moreau is
guilty. He is as guilty now as he was in the affair of 1797, when he
sent to the Directory the papers containing the proofs of the culpa
bility of Pichegru. He is the same man ; at once a traitor to the Re-
public and to his old friend. He had had the papers in his possession
for several months. This he confessed to Barthelemy. Why, then.

NAPOLEON'S OPINION OF MOREAIT. 39

did he not send them sooner ? The army of Italy has been accused
cf not liking Moreau. This is true; but it has been alleged we did
not like him because his glory rivalled ours. This is false; and the
accusation is contemptible. Moreau might wear his crown of glory
without its rendering ours the less brilliant or the less pure. For my
own part I swear, upon my honour, that such an idea never once
entered my mind. 1 love the Republic too well not to rejoice in
eeeing any one of her sons valiant and victorious."

Napoleon, who was walking up and down his cabinet with his
arms crossed, had listened to Junot with profound attention, and
without interrupting him even by a gesture. But when Junot uttered
the words, " I love the Republic too well," &c, Napoleon stopped him,
looked at him steadfastly, and seemed almost to interrogate him.
But this movement, whatever it meant, was only of a second's dura-
tion. He again walked up and down, and merely said, " You are too
severe upon Moreau. He is perfectly inefficient, absolutely nothing,
except when he is at the head of an army. This is all that can be
said of him." " As to his inefficiency, General, there can be no
doubt of that ; but his conduct as a citizen, to say nothing of him as
a statesman, is such as a true patriot and a loyal soldier cannot
approve. When Moreau, having learned by ordinary means the
events of the 18th Fructidor, made a proclamation to his troops, he
said, General Pichegru has betrayed the country/ Now Pichegru
was his friend. He had even served under his command. It was
Pichegru who raised Moreau to his first grade in the army, who pro-
tected and maintained him."

Junot spoke with unusual warmth. Napoleon advanced towards
him and said, with a smile, " You allude to the 18th Brumaire, do
you not ?" He smiled again, and took several pinches of snuff.
" Yes, General," replied Junot, somewhat astonished at the gaiety of
the First Consul. " Certainly," resumed Napoleon, " the conduct of
Moreau, on that occasion, was as extraordinary as that of Bernadotte
and some others. Bernadotte exclaimed loudly that he ivas a repub
lican — that he would not betray the Republic. And at that time who
ever thought of betraying it, save himself and two or three others
invested with the republican toga, beneath which the cloak of the
tyrant was better disguised than under my great-coat! As to
Moreau, who, having received a dismissal as the reward of his tardy
disclosures, was idling about Paris, and who possessed neither talent
nor decision, I can very well appreciate his determination to deliver
Fiance from a corrupt government. On the 18th Brumaire ho
served me as any aide-da -ramp, with no very good grace to be sure.

40 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

because he had the will but not the power to be the hero of the fete.
I have heard thai he never forgave me for the position in -which he
stood, and in which lie had been the means of placing himself. I am
sorry for it. [f it be possible that in this last affair he has joined
hands with a traitor against me, rather than against the country, I
pity him, hut I will not revenge myself."

"But, General, let this affair take its natural course. Do not
influence the judges. From the information I received within these
few hours, I am convinced how necessary it is that this ease should
he decided with the utmost impartiality and rigour of the law.

Surely. General, you would not encourage treason " " Junot,"

said Napoleon, grasping my husband's arm, " would you have it said
that I had him put to death because I was jealous of him?"* Junot
stood motionless with astonishment. The First Consul rapidly paced
up and down the room, and appeared much excited ; but he soon
recovered himself, and advancing to Junot, made some remarks upon
the fine division of grenadiers which was forming at Arras, and ended
by enjoining Junot to return thither immediately. Just as Junot had
opened the door to go out, Napoleon called him back, and asked him
how he had learned a fact which the Moniteur had announced only
that same morning, viz., the arrest of Moreau. Junot hesitated to
reply, and the First Consul repeated the question in a tone of impa-
tience. My husband then reflected that Duroc's letter could only be
regarded as creditable to the writer, and he immediately presented it
to Bonaparte. He read it over twice, and then returned it with a
pleasing smile on his countenance, for good humour had now entirely
superseded the momentary feeling of irritation. He blamed Duroc,
but it was easy to perceive that his displeasure was not very severe.
Indeed, he could not fail to be touched by this proof of Duroc's attach-
ment, and in spite of all that M. Bourrienne says, Napoleon at that
time felt and appreciated the devotedness he inspired.

Junot went to Duroc, and informed him that he had shown his
letter to Napoleon. Then, without taking time even to call on his
own sister, who resided in our hotel in the Rue Champs-Elysees, he
started at full gallop for Arras, where he arrived in the middle of the
following night, without his absence having been perceived by any
one, except the chief officer of his staff, who was necessarily informed

* These were Napoleon's words, as reported to me by Junot. I have given
the above conversation at length, because it appears to me curious and im-
portant. The last observation respecting Moreau explains the reason why he
did not suffer death, which, according to the strict letter of the code, was th«
punishment due to his offence.

CHANGE IN MILITARY COSTUME. 41

of it. Junot's friends transmitted to him regular information of tha
progress of Moreau's affair. Thus we learned the arrest of Piehegru,
which took place a fortnight after that of Moreau, and the capture of
Georges, who was taken on the 9th of March, while driving in a
cabriolet through the Rue de Tournon. Shortly after we were mado
acquainted with the tragical fate of the Duke d'Enghien. On the
22d of March, a person who was in the confidence of Duroc arrived
at daybreak in the court-yard of the house in which we resided. He
was the bearer of some despatches, which Junot hastily read. As he
perused the papers, I observed him first redden, then turn pale. At
length, striking his forehead with his hand, he exolaimed, " How
happy it is for me that I am no longer commandant of Paris !"
These despatches announced the death of the Duke d'Enghien.

The expedition to England, as it was termed, which was preparing
along the coast of Normandy, in the department of the Pas de Calais,
and in the ports of Holland and Belgium, proceeded with extraordi-
nary activity. The camp of Arras, formed of the famous division of
chosen grenadiers, twelve thousand men strong, and commanded by
Junot, was destined to form a sort of advanced guard, and to com-
mence the descent. I witnessed tha formation of that magnificent
corps, which the Emperor himself pronounced to be almost finer than
his guards* I know the unremitting attention which Junot bestowed
on those admirable troops ; I saw Napoleon in the midst of them ;
and the recollections connected with that period are deserving of a
place in these memoirs.

During the time he was at Arras, Junot effected some changes in
the dress of the grenadiers, which were at that time considered very
important, and subsequently extended to the whole army.

While reviewing the troops one very rainy day, he could not help
remarking that the cocked hats which the men then wore, were not
only very absurd, but very inconvenient. On his return home, Junot
began to muse on the miserable condition of his poor grenadiers, who
were drenched to the skin in consequence of the rain dripping from
their cocked hats. It was Junot's wish that all troops of the lino
should wear either shakos or grenadier caps, and that this regulation
should extend even to the cavalry, with the exception of the dragoon
helmets. But a formidable difficulty presented itself, which was to
get rid of queues and hair powder in the army ; for to tell the truth,

* These were Napoleon's words the first time ho reviewed the troops. The
guards he alluded to wero subsequently called la vielle garde, and were tha
finest corps in the army.

42 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the introduction of cropped hair was Junot's principal object in en
deavouring to reform the hats, the inconvenient form of which wonder*
fully aided his plan. '"What an odious tiling it is," said he, '"to see
a soldier on a rainy day, his coat covered with white greasy paste, his
Btraggling hair tied by a knot of dirty ribbon, and his head surmounted
by an ugly felt hat. which protects the wearer neither from wind, sun,
nor rain! And for all this the soldier has an allowance of ten sous
per week, which might be much better applied to the purchase of linen
and shoes. Cropped hair, too, would be conducive both to health and
cleanliness. The change is, therefore, desirable under every point of
view."

Junot mentioned his scheme to the officers of his staff, and all
decidedly approved of it. For a considerable time previously, cropped
hair had been almost universally adopted among the officers of the
army, from the general-in-chief down to the sub-lieutenant. Of all
the military men who surrounded the First Consul, General Lannes
and Bessieres were, I believe, the only two who retained the absurd
old-fashioned coiffure* Junot then proceeded to Paris to confer with
Napoleon on the subject, who told him that his plan was good, but
that he would not have the troops constrained to cut their hair. Junot
joyfully returned to Arras, and immediately proclaimed in the
barracks that those soldiers who would have their hair cut off, would
do what was agreeable to their general, but that no compulsion would
be resorted to. Next day the hair-dressers of Arras had cut off
more than two thousand queues ; but in the evening there w^ere two
duels.

Junot was greatly vexed, for he foresaw that these quarrels would
be made a subject of misrepresentation to Napoleon. This proved to
be the case, for Junot received a letter written in Napoleon's own
hand, and containing these few lines : " Junot, I approved your plan,
because I conceived it to be useful ; but I forbid all Prussian measures.
I will have no improvements effected in my army either by fighting
or flogging. Adieu ! Bonaparte." Junot immediately wTote to the
First Consul, explaining the facts as they really were, and he observed
that in a camp so numerous as that which he commanded, it would
be extraordinary indeed if any change, however trivial, could be effect-
ed without a few private quarrels. But Junot had vowed to bring
his enterprise to a successful issue, and that without any violence.

* Lannes and Bessiere?, at the time here alluded to, were scarcely thirty
years of age, and yet, notwithstanding the general fashion, they pertinaciously
tdhered to hair-powder and queues.

NAPOLEON CREATED EMPEROR. 43

He was beloved by his soldiers, and he went to their barracks and
addressed them personally. As soon as they heard from his own
mouth that they would displease him by resisting the proposed mea
sure, there ensued, if I may so express myself, a perfect revolution
The new regulation was fully complied with before the end of the
week.

We had been a few months at Arras, when one morning the
Moniteur announced to us that a motion had been made in the tribu-
nate for confiding the government of the Republic to an Emperor,
and declaring the empire hereditary in the family of the First Consul
Bonaparte. The senate followed the example of the tribunate and the
motion was adopted. It has been alleged that Napoleon, in this most
important passage of his life, made Cromwell and Augustus the models
of his conduct. This is an absurd mistake. As to his choice of the
title of Emperor, that title was, of all others, most congenial to the
feelings of the army, while it conveyed no offence to the ears of the
citizens. France, at that period, would have shuddered at the very
name of king. The people would never have accepted a compact
presented in the name of royalty.

Much is said about the tyranny, violence of temper and despotism
of Napoleon — I revere, nay, even worship, his memory ; but I am not
so absurd as to consider him a god. He was a man, and partook of
the failings of human nature. Nevertheless, to speak from my know-
ledge of his character, and I had the opportunity of knowing him well,
I must declare my honest conviction that he possessed a noble mind,
a heart forgetful of injuries, and a disposition to recompense talent
wherever he found it. Perhaps, at no period did Napoleon's character
appear in so exalted a light as on his elevation to the imperial
authority. He had previously been the object of envious hatred, and
the object of base persecution ; but he forgot all at the moment when
the nation invested him with supreme power. He took revenge on
none; nay he even made a point of checking personal antipathies,
whenever they were entertained toward individuals whose conduct
had given him reason to complain. "It would be thought that 1 am
taking revenge," replied he to Junot, who once expressed astonishment
at his conferring a command on a man who was looked upon as his
enemy in Egypt.

When General Davoust returned to France with the army of the
East, Junot said to me, "There is an old comrade whom I should
wish to see, better welcomed than he will be. The First Consul docs
not like Davoust, because when in Egypf he associated with nil thoso
who made a point of being hostile to Bonaparte. I do not know that

14 NAF BIS COURT AXI) FAMILY.

Davoust ran lie justly ranked among the Firsl Consul's enemies; but
it is certain that he lias inspired him with an antipathy as complete as
one man can entertain for another. I am the more sorry for this,
inasmuch as Davoust is my comrade and a clever fellow." This
dislike, of which all who were with Bonaparte in Egypt might have
Been proofs, had a singular source. It originated in the personal
slovenliness of Davoust, who by the way was at that time the most
dirty and ill-dressed man imaginable — a fault Napoleon held in
aversion, being himself always particularly neat and clean. Davoust
was an intelligent man, bul the First Consul did nol like his dissatis-
fied disposition, or the sardonic smile with which he was wont to ac-
company an ironical compliment. In short, Bonaparte disliked him,
and he took no pains to conceal his feelings. Junot and Marmont,
who were the two oldest ^f Bonaparte's officers, and who would have
wished to see Davoust well received by their General, especially as
his career had not been fortunate, greeted him on his arrival with
every demonstration of sincere friendship. Madame Marinont and
myself, in spite of the repugnance we felt to have our carpets soiled
with mud. welcomed the friend of our husbands with unfeigned cor-
diality.

Davoust, however, on his return contrived to ingratiate himself
with Napoleon, who not only extended to him his good will, but gave
him, what I suspect he valued more, employment and honours. He
was appointed to a command in the guards, and he espoused the sister
of General Led ere, who two years before had been affianced to Gen-
eral Lannes. lie then continued to advance in favour. At the time
we were at Arras. Davoust commanded what was called the camp of
Bruges.* An intimate friend of ours. Rear-admiral Magon, had the
command of the fleet at this period. According to Napoleon's first
arrangements, the Admiral was to have landed the picked division of

* Davoust in figure bore some resemblance to Napoleon, and when he began
to rise in the First Consul's favour, evidently endeavoured to imitate him in
o*r<'«. deportment, and manner. Certainly it was no easy task to copy Napo-
leon, l>ut he had some peculiarities which Davoust managed to imitate or rather
to parody: for example, his occasional brusqtteru and severity. He had, like
Bonaparte, the Btrange habit of Baying n gracious and n rude thing all in a
breath — of conveying at once a compliment and an affront: "Captain Bory,"
p:iil he on.- day to an officer, "you are an excellent topographical draftsman,
Vit as to Monsieur yonder, he can draw- no better than a hog." — On another
occasion he said to this same Captain Bory, "You are a good rider, you know-
how to mount a horse, you are an absolute Centaur, but ns to him (pointing to
his Hist aide-de-camp), he rides like an infantry officer, and wheu mounted, h«
looks like a pair of tongs."

THE LEGION OF HONOUR

Arras on the coast of England. Davoust was not a marshal at the
time of the formation of the camp of Bruges. Napoleon was thee
only Consul for life; but Davoust, like Soult, Bessieres, and Mortier
had the command of a portion of the consular guard.

CHAPTER V.

Creation of the Legion of Honour, and of the Grand Officers of the Empir*
— Xapoleon reviews the troops at Arras — Inauguration of the Legion of
Honour — Military ceremony at Boulogne — Madame Key — Arrival of the
Flotilla — Unlucky accident — Napoleon's vexation — Sneers in the English
journals — My journey to Calais with Junot — Napoleon's curiosity — Regu-
lations for the court dress of ladies — Anecdote of Napoleon's embroidered
coat — Bonaparte's opinions upon ladies' dresses — Preparation for the Coro-
nation— Arrival of the Pope — Description of his appearanco — Amusing
incident — The Pope and Cervoni.

The distribution of the crosses of the Legion of Honour took place
at Boulogne, on the 15th of August, 1802. I was a witness to that
ceremony, which is unique in the history of the world, and which is
still so fresh in my memory. When the creation of the Legion of
Honour was first proposed, it excited violent opposition. Over this
opposition the Eirst Consul triumphed, but he deemed it advisable to
show some regard to deeply-rooted opinions, and to avoid lacerating
wounds which time had not yet healed. For the space of two years,
therefore, the Legion of Honour was not talked of. It was not until
the period when the empire was declared, that the Emperor made his
classification of the different crosses. This classification excited no
small degree of surprise, for it had been supposed that the rewards
would be uniform. Junot was created a Grand Officer of the Legion
of Honour, and almost immediately after, he was appointed Grand
. Alter this followed the appointment of the twenty-four Grand
Officers of the Empire.

The Emperor now announced his intention of coming to review
the troops. During the ten months that Junot had been at. Arras,
Napoleon had not even sent Berthier to him, except, perhaps, for a
few hours. The Emperor wished Junot to form the corps according
to his own judgment, unassisted by any directions. This, he after-
wards acknowledged, was intended as an experiment on the capability

40 NATOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

of his old aide-de-camp. It was fortunate for Junot that he acquitted
himself so satisfactorily.

Tlh- Emperor arrived on the Wednesday at noon, and took up his
ah' >do at the house of the prefect, of whom he made minute inquiries
as to the manner in which the troops behaved to the country-people,
and whether the grenadiers, cantoned in the little neighbouring vil-
lages, had been guilty of any pillage.

On the following day he reviewed the troops, and during the
seven hours occupied by their manoeuvres, he was constantly on foot.
1 took M. Maret's arm, and advanced to the group surrounding the
Emperor. He was in the act of remounting his horse to see the
troops defile. He recognised me, although I was still at some dis-
tance, and sent Colonel Lafond to ask me to advance nearer, that
I might have a better view. When the evolutions were ended, I
observed the Emperor directing his horse towards the place where I
stood. He rode up to me, and very kindly inquired how I was, how
I liked Arras, and whether I did not wish to return to Paris. To all
these gracious questions, 1 dare say I replied very foolishly ; but the
fact was, 1 did not in the least expect such courtesy, and 1 was taken
quite by surprise. The truth however is, that the mere embarrass-
ment 1 felt at the novelty of pronouncing the words " Sire," and
" Your Majesty," was the principal cause of my gaucherie. Maret,
whose arm I held, afterwards told me, that I trembled exceedingly.

After the review, Junot and all the officers of his division, dined
with the Emperor, who paid them very handsome compliments.
'• Junot," said he, to my husband, " mention in to-morrow's order of
the day, that I am satisfied, extremely satisfied, wTith my brave gren-
adiers of Arras."

Napoleon had been Emperor about three months when he deter-
mined to inaugurate the order of the Legion of Honour, created by
the law of the 19th of May, 1802. This public solemnity, which was
the first that had occurred since Napoleon had enjoyed his new title,
took place in the Eglise des Invalides, at Paris, on the 14th of July,
1804. It was a grand and beautiful idea to grant a military reward,
or rather to consecrate it by a permanent and ostensible sign, in that
venerable pile which is the last asylum of the wounded soldier. Pre-
parations were soon made at Boulogne for another brilliant ceremony.
The Emperor distributed the first crosses to the dignitaries of the
order, then in Paris, on the day of the inauguration. He now wished
to distribute, with due formality, those which were to supersede the
arms of honour. Boulogne was chosen as the scene of this military
solemnity. A short time before (on the 10th of July, 1804) the

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CROSSES. 47

Emperor had revived an institution very different from that of the
Legion of Honour, the bases of the latter being valour and loyalty.
The department of the minister of the police was re-established, and
Fouche, who had again ingratiated himself in the favour of his master,
was placed at the head of this state inquisition. Every individual to
wh< m arms of honour had been awarded received a summons to
Boulogne. The camps of Saint-Omer, Bruges, Arras, Montreuil, and
Amiens, sent deputations, and seventy thousand men assembled at
this imposing ceremony.

Junot and I set off" for Boulogne : a place was reserved for me in
Berthier's baroque, which was the best situation for witnessing the
magnificent spectacle which took place on the 15th of August. The
Emperor had chosen that day with the view of celebrating at once his
own birthday and the festival of his brothers in arms. Near the
Tour d'Ordre, on the most elevated point of the hill, a throne was
constructed, around which waved two hundred banners, that had been
taken from the enemies of France. On the steps of the throne were
ranged the twenty-four grand officers of the empire, whom Napoleon
had selected from amongst the most distinguished military com-
manders.

On the throne was placed the ancient chair, known by the name
of the Fauteuil de Dagobert, and near the Emperor was the helmet of
Bayard, containing the crosses and ribbons which were to be dis-
tributed. The shield of Francis I. was also brought into requisition.

In a valley cut by the hands of nature, there were stationed sixty
thousand men, in several ranks, and in echelon. The valley w"as so
formed that they seemed to be ranged in an amphitheatre, and could
be seen from the sea, the waves of which broke against the foot of the
Tour d'Ordre, or rather at the foot of the hill on which it was erected.
In front of the men was the throne, which was ascended by a few
steps. There was seated, in all the splendour of his glory, the man
whose genius then ruled Europe and the world. Over his head a
multitude of banners, tattered by cannon-balls, and stained with
blood, formed a canopy appropriate to the occasion. Though the
day was fair, yet the wind blew with extreme violence, so that these
trophies of victory waved in full view of several English vessels, then
cruising in the straits.

1 had the pleasure of meeting, on this occasion, Madame Ney,
who was one of the pupils of Madame Cam pan, and had received
a most finished education. She was remarkable for an air of sim-
plicity, and 1 may even say a certain degree of timidity, which was
ihe more attractive inasmuch as it formed a contrast to the manners

48 NAPOLEON, HTS COURT AND FAMILY.

of mosl of the ladies by whom she was surrounded at the court of
Prance. These ladies were, it is true, fur the most part, perfectly
amiable and well bred, but they were young and inexperienced; and

having seen little of the world, especially of that courtly world upon
which they had recently entered, they were easily dazzled by the illu-
sions of fortune, and were sometimes led into gross absurdities. The
fine ladies of the Faubourg Saint-Germain, who at first formed part
of the Empress Josephine's court, thought they would produce a
wonderful impression by assuming airs of hauteur, though from them
better manners might have been expected. To all this ill-breeding of
various kinds, the manners of a woman comme il faut, such as
Madame Ney, formed a delightful relief. The softness and benevo-
lence of Madame Ney's smile, together with the intelligent expres
sion of her large dark eyes, rendered her a very beautiful woman ;
and her lively manners and accomplishments enhanced her personal
graces. It may easily be imagined that I was not a little delighted
to meet this charming person at Bolougne.

The ceremony of the distribution was exceedingly long. Each
legionist ascended the twelve steps leading to the throne, and after
receiving his cross and ribbon from the Emperor's hand, made his
bow, and returned to his place. When Napoleon presented the cross
to one of his old comrades, who had fought with him in Italy or
Egypt, there seemed to be a glow of feeling which carried him back
to his early and most brilliant glory. It was five o'clock, and for a
considerable time I had observed the Emperor turning frequently and
anxiously to M. Decres, the minister of the marine, to whom he re-
peatedly said something in a whisper. He then took a glass, and
looked towards the sea, as if eager to discover a distant sail. At
length his impatience seemed to increase. Berthier, too, who stood
biting his nails, in spite of his dignity of marshal, now and then
looked through the glass, and Junot appeared to be in the secret, for
they all talked together aside. It was evident that something was ex«
pected. At length the minister of the marine received a message,
which he immediately communicated to the Emperor, and the latter
snatched the glass from the hand of M. Decres with such violence,
that it fell and rolled down the steps of the throne. All eyes were
now directed to the point which I had observed the Emperor watch-
ing, and we soon discerned a flotilla, consisting of between a thousand
and twelve hundred boats, advancing in the direction of Boulogne,
from the different neighbouring ports, and from Holland. The Em-
peror had made choice of the 15th of August, as the day for uniting
the flotilla with the other boats stationed in the port of Boulogne, in

JOURNEY TO CALAIS. 49

sight of the English vessels which were cruising in the straits ; while.
at the same time, he distributed to his troops rewards destined to
stimulate their courage, and to excite their impatience to undertake
the invasion of England.

But the satisfaction Napoleon enjoyed at the sight of the flotilla,
was not of long duration. An emphatic oath uttered by M. Decrts,
who, it is well known, made ti liberal use of these ornaments of
speech, warned the Emperor that some accident had occurred. It
was soon ascertained that the officer who commanded the first division
of the flotilla, disregarding the advice of the coasting pilot, had, just
as he was on the point of landing, run foul of some works newly
erected along the coast. The shock swamped some of the boats, and
several of the men jumped overboard. The cries of the people at
the sea-side, who hurried to their assistance, excited much alarm.
Fortunately, it happened to be low water at the time, and I believe
one man only was drowned.* The accident was exceedingly morti-
fying, happening, as it did, in the full gaze of our enemies, whose
telescopes were all pointed towards us, and it threw the Emperor into
a violent rage. He descended from the throne, and proceeded with
Berthier to a sort of terrace which was formed along the water's edge.
He paced to and fro very rapidly, and we could occasionally hear him
utter some energetic expression indicative of his vexation. In the
evening a grand dinner and ball took place in honour of the inaugura-
tion. About six o'clock, just as dinner was about being served for
the soldiers, under the tents, a heavy fall of rain came on. This
served to augment the Emperor's ill-humour, and formed a gloomy
termination to a day which had commenced so brilliantly.

On the very evening of the festival at Boulogne, Junot received
orders from the Emperor requiring him to set out for Calais next
morning. He told me I might accompany him if I chose, but that
owing to the little time he had at his disposal, he could not pass a
whole day in Calais, "Unless," said he, "you consent to set out to-
night immediately after the ball." I accepted this proposition, and
we arrived at Calais next morning at seven o'clock. Consequently,
we had ample time to look about us. On my return the Emperoi
asked me how I liked my nocturnal journey, what I thought of Calais,
and Dessein's hotel, and put to me many questions respecting what 1
had observed in several places in our route. I mention this fact,

* At least rucIi was stated at (lie time to be the fact; perhaps the truth was
disguised to prevent our enemies from ridiculing us. This they I'">1< care to
do, however: the English papers abounded with jeers about our nut-nhellti, as
they styled th« gun-boats.

43

50 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

though unimportant in itself, because I wish to seize every shade,
however trivial, which belongs to the portrait of Napoleon. Cer.
tainly, he had no need of in) opinion, nor my remarks upon anything
which referred to that part of the French coast; but I had eyes and
ears, and being free from prejudice, I could judge impartially of what
I saw, and that was enough for him. He would sometimes question
a child, and would often interrogate women on subjects to which they
were not, perhaps, in the habit of directing their attention. On these
occasions he always liked to have a ready answer.

On our return to Arras, 1 observed a twofold activity prevailed
m all that related to the manoeuvres of the army. Junot was several
times summoned to Paris. In his absence the command devolved,
alternately, on Generals Dupas and Macon, who were both attached
to the imperial guard. On his return from one of these journeys,
Junot informed me of a circumstance which, at the time, I thought
very extraordinary : this was the introduction of a sort of sumptuary
law, regulating the court dress of the ladies. This dress was then
nearly what it still remains. The ckerusque* which, however, was
speedily retrenched, was. exceedingly becoming. The robe and petti-
coat were as they are now, with this difference, that the embroidered
border of the robe was not to exceed four inches in depth. The prin-
cesses alone had the privilege of wearing the robe embroidered all
over. Such were, at first, the commands of the Emperor, and they
were dictated by good sense and paternal feeling. He did not wish
that in his court, which was composed of men who had rendered
honourable services to the country, but many of whom were com-
paratively poor, the extravagance of a young wife should compromise
the happiness of her husband. This sumptuary regulation was at first
rigidly observed.

The mention of embroideries reminds me of a curious circum-
stance. Every one who frequented the Tuileries about the period I
allude to, must recollect a certain coat composed of red taffety, and
richly embroidered in gold in a symbolic pattern, consisting of
branches of olive, oak, and laurel. This coat was worn by the First
Consul, with boots, a black cravat, and all the other component parts
of a military costume. It was known by the name of V habit cle Lyon,
and its history is as follows : —

M. Levacher, an eminent silk mercer in Paris, observing the
decline which had taken place in a considerable branch of the sdk

* The gotliic ruff with long points, composed of tulle embroidered with gold
or silver to correspond with the dress.

NAPOLEON'S EMBROI1 ERED COAT. 51

trade, owing to the disuse of embroidery, resolved to exert his endea-
vours to revive it. for this purpose he consulted with some of the
principal embroiderers, and sent them the design I have above
mentioned. As soon as it was finished he took it to M. Chaptal,
the Minister of the Interior. The minister was struck with the
beauty of the work. — " But," said he, " how can you expect that the
First Consul will wear an embroidered coat ! — he who never even
wears the uniform of a general officer ?" " I will not despair of
gaining my object," said M. Levacher. " I am Madame Bonaparte's
silk-mercer ; she has always been very friendly to me, and I will see
what she can do." Madame Bonaparte was struck with the beauty
of the garment, but candidly informed M. Levacher that there was
no hope of prevailing on the First Consul to wear it. The silic
mercer, not a little disheartened by this assurance, had folded up the
coat, and was putting it into the box, when the door leading to the
First Consul's cabinet suddenly opened, and Bonaparte appeared.
M. Levacher was at first somewhat embarrassed; but, immediately
recollecting that his success depended on seizing the present oppor-
tunity, he opened the box, and submitted the coat to the inspection
of Napoleon, at the same time warmly urging the necessity of
reviving the drooping prosperity of the unfortunate city of Lyons,
which was dying amidst the regeneration of France. The First
Consul listened to him with marked interest : Bonaparte had already
entertained plans for ameliorating the trade of Lyons ; and the
offering now presented to him afforded a fair excuse for wearing
embroidered coats, and causing them to be worn — a fashion which
could scarcely have been introduced without very good reason in a
court which was yet entirely republican. " I will not deny," he
remarked, "that I have some repugnance to equip myself in this
fantastic costume ; but for that reason my resolution will be the
better appreciated." Such is the history of the habit rouge, which
every one thought so singular when Bonaparte first appeared in it.

Bonaparte expressed a decided dislike to the percales and muslins,*
which were then much worn by ladies in France. But he was always
pleased whenever he saw any of us in a leno dress. I recollect one
day wearing a leno dress, of which Madame Bonaparte had made me
a present. I was then very slender, and my figure would very well
admit of my wearing a stiffly starched gown ; but as it was then the

* Percales and French muslins were exceedingly fashionable and expensive
at the time here alluded to. With the exception of leno, all the white worn bj
cdies was brought from Engl xnd.

5'2 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

fashion for the ladies'' drosses to fall like the draperies of the antique
statues, I must have looked ridiculous. However, the Emperor
thought propei- to applaud my taste. " That is the way you should
all dress, en )u><jlige, ladies," said he. "I do not like to see you
in those English muslins, which are sold at the price of their weight
in gold, and which do not look half so well as a beautiful white leno.
Wear leno, cambric, and silk, and then my manufactures will
nourish."

Napoleon's coronation was to take place on the 11th Frimaire
(December 2d) and Junot was summoned to Paris to attend the
ceremony. General Oudinot took the command of the division of
the grenadiers at Arras, whither Junot did not afterwards return.
On my arrival in town, I found my house filled with different mem-
bers of Junot's family, who had arrived from the country to be
present at the coronation. It is impossible to form an idea of the
bustle and gaiety which prevailed in Paris at this time. From
morning till night the streets were thronged by a busy and joyous
multitude. Some were seen hurrying to procure tickets to witness
the ceremony, others were engaging windows to see the procession
pass, and, to afford some idea of the ardent curiosity that prevailed, I
may mention that a family of my acquaintance from Artois, having
arrived too late to procure tickets for the interior of Notre Dame,
paid the sum of three hundred francs for a second floor window near
the gate of the church. The sight hunters first visited Dallemagne,
the famous embroiderer, who was preparing the Emperor's mantle,
for which Levacher had furnished the velvet ; thence they proceeded
to Foncier's, to see the crowns of the Emperor and Empress, and the
Emperor's sword, the hilt of which was adorned with the famous
diamond, known by the name of the Regent; — and lastly, they
•went in search of tickets to view the interior of Notre Dame, where
the most splendid preparations were making for the approaching
ceremony. Embroiderers, tailors, florists, jewellers, in short, trades-
men of eveiy description, were busily at work, and all joyfully
anticipating a rich harvest of profit.

At this instant of universal joy, the Pope arrived in Paris. His
Holiness was lodged in the Pavilion de Flore, and the Emperor
himself feet the example of showing him the honours due not only to
his dignity as a sovereign and the head of the church, but also to his
personal virtues. The countenance of Pius VII. has never been
faithfully represented in any of his portraits ; none that I have seen,
accurately portray his mild and intelligent features. His extremely
pallid complexion and jet black hair, together with his white robes.

THE POPE IN PARIS. 53

pr -duced altogether a singular effect, When 1 was presented to
him,* his venerable appearance inspired me with a feeling of interest,
independent of the respect I owed to the head of the church. He
gave me a very beautiful chaplet with a relique, and seemed pleased
to hear me thank him in Italian. On the Pope's arrival in Paris, all
the constituted bodies, and all the authorities, primary, and secondary,
paid their formal respects to him. The generals were not the last to
observe this ceremony, though several among them had evinced a
repugnance to it which gave umbrage to tht Emperor. On the occa-
sion of the generals paying their visit to the Pavilion de Flore, a
question arose as to which of them should harangue the holy father.
Several among them spoke Italian very fluently, and General Sebas-
tiani, who always had a taste for making speeches, offered his services,
but he was considered too young in the scale of commanders, and the
choice fell on General Cervoni.

This selection, which was to all appearance perfectly suitable and
proper, gave rise to a droll incident. At the time when the French
entered Rome with Alexander Berthier, Cervoni, who was then a
brigadier general, was military commandant of the city. It was even
said, that he ordered the arrest of Pius VII. That, however, was not
the fact ; but it was nevertheless believed at the time, and conse-
quently Cervoni was an object of terror in Rome. The Pope feared
him as he would his evil genius. When Cervoni delivered the
address in the name of the generals, the Pope was struck with the
pure and elegant accent with which he spoke Italian. " Come lei
pala bene Vltaliano . . . ." said his holiness. " Santo Padre, sono
quasi Italiano."—" Oh ! . . . ."— " Sono Corso."—" Oh! ... . Oh !
. . . .»_« Sono Cervoni."—" Oh ! . . . .Oh ! . . . .Oh ! . . . ."
And at each exclamation the Holy Father retreated a few paces
backwards, until at length he got close to the chimney and could go
no further. The Pope probably thought he was going to be seized
and sent to Valence. It was irresistibly humorous to hear Cervoni
himself describe this scene, the drollery of which must have been
heightened by the contrast between the voices of the interlocutors.
Cervoni had a clear, sonorous, and powerful voice, while the Pope, on
the contrary, spoke in a shrill soprano, and somewhat nasal tone. In

* Whenever a female is presented to the Pope, it must be so managed as to
have the appearance of accident. Women are not admitted into the Vatican,
but his holiness permits them to !>•■ presented to him in the Sistine Chapel, 01
in his promenades. But the meeting must always appear to be the effect of
chance.

54 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMJLY.

person, Cervoni was not unlike the Pope; he had the same pal«
complexion, and the same form of countenance. But at the period
alluded to, he was a young and handsome man.

CHAPTER VI.

Formation of the nt.T Court, — Madam* Lavallette — Madame de la Rochefca-
cauld — Madame Maret, Madame Savary, Madame de Ca . . . . y, Mesdamea
Lannes and Durosnel — The households of the Princesses — M. d'Aligre—
The Princess Eliza — Dispute between her and Napoleon — Madame Leclero
— Her widowhood — Marriage — The Prince Borghese — The bride's visit to
St. Cloud — Her vanity — Marmont's disgrace — The author of it — Votes of
the nation — Napoleon's severity to Lucien and Jerome — Madame Lsetitia'a
maternal feeling — Ceremony of the coronation — Demeanour of the Emperor
and the Empress — The crown of Charlemagne — Ominous fall of a stone-
Conversation with Napoleon.

At the period of my arrival in Paris, all minds were occupied with
a very important affair, viz. : the formation of the new court then
about to be established. The influence which such a circumstance is
sure to engender, had already manifested itself in the most active
intrigue. Madame Bonaparte, who was of an easy temper and kind
disposition, was applied to on all sides for the presentation of a dame
du palais, a chamberlain, ci an equerry. In short, she was assailed
by that numerous troop, composed almost exclusively of the enemies
of the Emperor, and whose influence was so fatal to him in 1814.
At the time of the coronation, this crowd of expectants was still
endurable by the true friends of Napoleon, for among them were the
wives of those men who had shed their blood for France, and who
were devoted not only to their country, but to the Emperor. Napo-
leon, however, was then dreaming of the accomplishment of an im-
possibility, viz. : the system of fusion, about which he said so much at
St. Helena; and this is the only excuse for the grievous error hf»
committed, in surrounding himself by individuals who, but a few
years before, had spoken of his downfall as one of their dearest
hopes. The men who were truly attached to him, saw this error, and
pointed it out to him ; but he was deaf to their remonstrances.

The dames du palais were, at the period of the coronation, selected
from among the wives of the generals and grand officers of the empire.
Madame de Lavallette was appointed dame d'atours, or tire-woman,

LADIES OF THE IMPERIAL COURT. 55

and Madame de Larochefoucauld lady of honour.* The new court was
refulgent with a species of glory, which woman regard with the same
solicitude as men pursue theirs, viz., elegance and beauty. Of the
princesses, and the young females who formed the court of the
Empress, it would be difficult to mention one who was not dis-
tinguished for beauty. Among these was Madame Maret, whose
lovely face and finely-turned figure were equally admired with her
purity of taste and elegance of manner. Madame Savary, who pos-
sessed a countenance and form of equal beauty, but who had one fault,
which was, that though she dressed well, yet there was always some
Dart of her costume which did not harmonize thoroughly with the
rest. Madame Lannes' fine features resembled Raphael's or Corregio's
most exquisite Madonnas. But perhaps the brightest star in this
dazzling constellation was Madame de Ca . . . y. I often thought
she might be compared to one of the muses, i.i her were combined
perfect regularity of features with an indescribable charm of expres-
sion, a profusion of soft, rich silken hair, and a shape replete with
grace and elegance.

Madame Durosnel, whose attractions consisted in her fine blue eyes,
overhung by long and glossy lashes ; in her fascinating smile, which
discovered a set of the finest ivory teeth in the world ; a profusion of
fair hair; a hand and foot cast in the finest proportion; and a general
elegance of manner which indicated a cultivated mind. Madame
Durosnel was married some years later than I, and her husband was
old enough to have passed as her father.

The households of the princesses were formed with a more direct
view to the fusion system than even that of the Empress Josephine ;
for the individuals about them, being heads of families, carried with
them considerable influence, and gave a colouring to the whole estab-
lishment. For instance, the Princess Caroline had for her chamber-
lain M. d'Aligre, whose name and fortune sufficed, in the Emperor's
opinion, to form a banner round which the most adverse parties might
rally. Indeed the Faubourg St. Germain at this period had reason to
be indebted to the Princess Caroline, for it was through her mediation

* I never could comprehend the Emperor's intention in appointing Madame
de Larochefoucauld to that important post; it is certain, that she never wished
for the situation. The Empress Josephine was indeed obliged to press her to
accept it,, and notwithstanding this, sin; frequently wished to relinquish it. In
person this lady was small and ill-made, but she was a high-minded and
sensible woman, and therefore she was necessarily subject to some degree of
restraint and annoyance in the situation she held in the most pompous and
elegant couit in Europe.

56 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AXI) FAMILY.

that tlif life of the Marquis de Riviere was saved, as the Empress
Josephine saved the two Polignaes. The Princess Eliza, whose
austere temper rendered her less pliant to her brother's will than
other members of the family, was surrounded by persons not so ex-
clusively attached to the Faubourg St. Germain, with the exception
perhaps of one of her ladies, Madame de Br. . . n, who, however, did
not remain long with her, but entered the service of the Princess
Borghese. Madame Laplace, the wife of the geometrician, was dis-
posed to join the princess in the pursuit of science, for in this respect,
Eliza pretty much resembled the Duchess du Maine. Nor did the
similitude stop here. Her ambitious spirit, her imperative disposition,
which reduced her husband to the rank of first officer of her household,
all these were points of resemblance between the two women. 1'he
parallel, however, is not mine, but the Emperor's. He drew it one
day at St. Cloud, after a sharp dispute with his sister, relative to a
play of the time of Louis XIV., Rotrou's Wenceslaus. Talma, at the
Emperor's request, had just been reading an act of that tragedy, and
every one knows how that celebrated man used to personate the
character of Ladislaus. After awarding due praise to the admirable
manner in which Talma had recited many of the lines, the conversation
turned upon the merits of the piece itself. The Emperor declared
very bluntly, that the play was good for nothing. Then referring to
Cinna, the Cid, and some yther of Corneille's principal works, he con-
cluded by saying, " This is what tragedy ought to be."

The Princess Eliza entertained a great admiration for Voltaire, and
she immediately commenced an attack on Corneille, the grounds of
which were taken from Voltaire's notes, which certainly are neither
impartial nor just in any point of view. The Emperor probably felt
a little irritated at an attempt to refute him, which he knew to be
unreasonable. The discussion grew warm, and angry words passed
between them. At length Napoleon left the room, exclaiming, "This
is intolerable ; you are absolutely the caricature of the Duchess du
Maine." The expression struck me as being as droll as it was just.
It would seem that Napoleon was much pleased with it himself, for
one day at Neuilly, as he was ridiculing the performance of Alzire,
he said the Princess Eliza had parodied the part of Alzire, and played
it en caricature.

The drawing-room of St. Cloud, in which the above little dispute
happened, presented on another occasion, a scene which subsequent
circumstances rendered remarkable. Madame Leclerc lost her hus-
band at St. Domingo ; she had his body embalmed, and she returned
home with his remains, on board the same vessel which had conveyed

MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCESS BORGHE8E. 57

Kim to the island, a few months before, in perfect health. The
Emperor, who thoroughly knew her disposition, and who was anxious
that she should wear her weeds with decorum, consigned the young
widow to the care of his brother Joseph and his amiable spouse.
Madame Leclerc was consequently lodged in the hotel Marbceuf, in
the Rue du Faubourg St. Honore, then occupied by Joseph Bonaparte.
Here I saw her on her return from St. Domingo. She had then a
frightful sore upon her hand, which, though it was healed for a time,
appeared again in sj>ite of all the efforts of her physicians. She looked
most angelic in her weeds, though she was evidently impatient of the
retirement they imposed on her ! " I shall certainly sink under this,
Laurette," said she to me one day. " If my brother determines to
shut me out from the world, 1 will put an end to my existence at
once." Junot observed, that though we had a Venus de Medicis, a
Venus of the Capitol, and a Venus Callipyges, we had never before
heard of a " Venus Suicide." At this compliment the features of
Madame Leclerc brightened up, and extending her hand to Junot, she
said, " Come and see me often, Junot ; you are one of my old friends.
Laurette, you need not be jealous, for you know I am going to be
married."

Accordingly, a short time after, Napoleon, who was then only
First Consul, arranged a marriage between her and Prince Camille
Borghese. When I saw the Prince I was struck with his handsome
appearance ; I was not then aware of his complete nullity of intel-
lect,

I reckon myself fortunate in having been a witness to the wedding
visit of the Princess Borghese to her sister-in-law Madame Bonaparte.
1 was well aware of the rivalry which existed between these two
iadies, and had observed many instances of the jealousy which
Madame Leclerc entertained of Madame Bonaparte. I well knew
Madame Leclerc's character, her excessive vanity, her constant en-
deavour to be thought not only the most beautiful, but the most
orilliant of her sex. How often have I seen her shed tears of
vexation, at beholding her sister-in-law covered with diamonds and
pearls of regal splendour. The evening she came to St. Cloud, to be
introduced as the Princess Borghese, to Madame Bonaparte, exhibited
one of the most striking traits in her character. It may well be
conceived that her toilet, that day, was an affair of the utmost
importance. After considering of every colour, and consulting the
opinion of all about her, she at last fixed upon a robe of green velvet,
upon which, with no great regard to taste, were displayed all the
diamonds of the house of Borghese, forming what was then called a

58 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

ifutkilde. Her head, her neck, her ears, and arms, were loaded with
diamonds; in short, she was a dazzling mass of jewels, and the
satisfaction she enjoyed in this gaudy display on her person was most
amusing When she entered the room she observed the sensation
bhe created, and the flush of triumph which overspread lit*- coun-
tenance certainly made her look extremely beautiful. Her intention
was obviously to mortify her sister-in-law, and she seemed to revel
in her triumph. She was a princess; the most beautiful of her sex,
possessing a collection of jewels more splendid than was possessed
by any private gentlewoman in Europe, and a settlement of two
millions a year. After she had passed round the room, she came
and sat next me. " Laurette, my little Laurette! only look at
them," said she, " they are ready to burst with envy ! But 'tis
no matter, I am a princess, and a real one."

I could not help recollecting this last expression, when I was at
Rome, in 1818. 1 then saw her at the Borghese palace, enjoying the
protection which the Pope had extended to the Princess Borghese.
Thus, she was not only the first Princess of her family, but she con-
trived to retain her rank amidst all the disasters of her relatives.

Although a general joy pervaded all minds at this moment, Junot
was vexed that the name of his friend Marmont did not appear on
the list of appointments which had been made on the formation of
the empire ; he was neither created a grand officer of the empire, nor
a grand officer of the crown. Such a sincere feeling of friendship
attached Junot to his old college companion, and his first brother
in arms, that he was perfectly distressed at this sort of disgrace
inflicted on him. Junot assured me that he knew the author of it,
though from motives of prudence to Marmont he would not inform
him of the matter. I pressed him to tell me, and though I was
shocked I was not surprised ; for, to accuse others was the constant
practice of the individual in question, who, holding as he did, the
ver\ highest rank in the army, should have preserved a noble and
honourable line of conduct, instead of earning for himself an odious
reputation. Some time after the coronation, Prince Eugene having
been appointed Grand Chancellor of Sta'-e, the rank of colonel-general
of chasseurs was given to Marmont.

On the l«t of December, the conservative senate presented to the
Emperor the votes of the nation. It is worthy of remark that for tha
Empire, there were only twro thousand five hundred and seventy-nine
negative votes, and three millions, five hundred and seventy-five
affirmative, while for the Consulate for life, there were, I believe,
nearly nine thousand negative votes. I breakfasted with the Empress

PREPARATIONS FOR THE CORONATION. 59

on the very day of the presentation of the registers to the Emperor,
and I can positively affirm, whatever may have been said to tha
contrary, that Josephine had no gloomy presentiments either as
regarded herself or Napoleon. She was in excellent spirits, and she
told me that the Emperor had that morning made her try on the
crown, which next day he was to place on her head in the eyes of
France ; and she shed tears of joy while she mentioned this. She
also spoke feelingly of the disappointment she had experienced on
receiving the Emperor's refusal to her solicitation for the return of
Lucien. " I wished to make to-morrow a day of grace," said she ;
"but Bonaparte (for she; continued to call him by this name long
after his elevation to the empire) impatiently rejected my suit, and I
was compelled to be silent. I wished to prove to Lucien that T can
return good for evil. If you should see him let him know it."

I was astonished at Napoleon's constant severity towards his bro-
ther, and a brother, too, to whom he owed so much. His marriage
with Madame Jauberton, was alleged to be the unpardonable offence
he had committed ; but 1 am of opinion that the republican sentiments
entertained by Lucien formed the real objection to his recall to France.
Another circumstance which augmented the hostility of the Emperor
towards his brother, was the conduct of Madame Lsetitia Bonaparte.
She warmly espoused the cause of her exiled son, and quitted Paris
for the purpose of conveying to him assistance and consolation.
Madame Bonaparte's maternal feelings were painfully lacerated at
this period of general joy and festivity. Her youngest son Jerome
was excluded from the family circle, which Napoleon had collected
around him, and to which he looked for the consolidation of his future
power. Jerome had married Miss Patterson in America. Though
he was at the time a mere boy, yet the marriage was nevertheless
valid, since it took place with the consent of his mother and his elder
brother. But the First Consul was furiously indignant at the conduct
of the young enseigne de vaisseau ; conceiving that as head of the
government he was also the head of his family. Jerome had left
America to return to Europe. Madame Lajtitia informed the Em-
peror of his departure; and Napoleon immediately took measures to
prevent his landing, not only in any of the ports of France, but also
those of Holland and Belgium, and wherever he had power to exclude
him. I make no comment on this severity; subsequent events may
or may not have justified it; of that the reader will presently be able
to judge. Be this as it may, Madame Lsetitia Bonaparte was at tho
time of the coronation, in Pome, without either title or distinction.
She was, however, introduced in David's picture of the coronation.

60 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

This must have been by command of the Emperor, for I cannot inia
gme that the idea was suggested by herself.

Before day break, on the 2d of December, all Paris was alive
and in motion ; indeed hundreds of persons had remained up the
whole of the night. Many ladies had the courage to get their hair
dressed at two o'clock in the morning, and then sat quietly in their
chairs until the time arrived for arranging the other part? of their
toilette. We were all very much hurried, for it was necessary to bo
at our posts before the procession moved from the Tiileries, for
which nine o'clock was \ lie appointed hour. I was at ,hat time as
mtimate with the Duchess de Ragusa as Junot was with her husband,
though she afterwards quarrelled with me, for some reason that 1
never could discover. We arranged to go together to Notre-Dame,
and we set out at half-past seven in the morning. As to Junot, he
was to carry one of the honours of Charlemagne — the ball, or the
hand of justice, I do not recollect which. We accordingly left him
busily engaged in arraying himself in his peer's robes.

Who that saw Notre-Dame on that memorable day can ever for
get it"? I have witnessed in that venerable pile the celebration of
sumptuous and solemn festivals, but never did I see any thing at all
approximating in splendour to the coup (Tozil exhibited at Napoleon's
coronation. The vaulted roof re-echoed the sacred chanting of the
priests, who invoked the blessing of the Almighty on the ceremony
about to be celebrated, while they awaited the arrival of the vicar of
Christ, whose throne was prepared near the altar. Along the
ancient walls of tapestry were ranged, according to their ranks, the
different bodies of the state, the deputies from every city, in short,
the representatives of all France, assembled to implore the benedic-
tion of Heaven on the sovereign of the people's choice. The waving
plumes which adorned the hats of the senators, counsellors of state,
and tribunes — the splendid uniforms of the military — the clergy in
all their ecclesiastical pomp — and the multitude of young and beauti
ful women, glittering in jewels, and arrayed in that style of grace
and elegance which is to be seen only in Paris — altogether presented
a picture which has perhaps rarely been equalled, and certainly never
excelled.

The Pope arrived first ; and at the moment of his entering the
cathedral, the anthem Tu es Petres wras commenced. His Holiness
advanced from the door with an air at once majestic and humble.
Ere long, the firing of cannon announced the departure of the proces-
sion from the Tuileries. From an early hour in the morning the
weather had been exceedingly unfavourable. It was cold and rainy.

CEREMONIES OF THE CORONATION. 61

and appearances seemed to indicate that the procession would oe any
thing but agreeable to those who joined in it. But, as if by the espe-
cial favour of Providence, of which so many instances are observable
in the career of Napoleon, the clouds suddenly dispersed, the sky
brightened up, and the multitudes who lined the streets from the
Tuileries to the cathedral, enjoyed the sight of the procession without
being, as they had anticipated, drenched by a December rain. Na-
poleon, as he passed along, was greeted by heartfelt expressions of
enthusiastic love and attachment.

On his arrival at Notre-Dame, Napoleon ascended the throne,
which was erected in front of the grand altar. Josephine took her
place beside him, surrounded by the assembled sovereigns of Europe.
Napoleon appeared singularly calm. I watched him narrowly, with
the view of discovering whether his heart beat more highly beneath
the imperial trappings than under the uniform of the guards ; but I
could observe no difference, and yet I was at the distance of only ten
paces from him. The length of the ceremony, however, seemed to
weary him ; and I saw him several times check a yawn. Neverthe-
less, he did every thing he was required to do, and clid it with pro-
priety. When the Pope anointed him with the triple unction on
the head and both hands, I fancied, from the direction of his eyes, that
he was thinking of wiping off the oil rather than of any thing else ;
and I was so perfectly acquainted with the workings of his counte-
nance, that I have no hesitation in saying that was really the thought
that crossed his mind at the moment. During the ceremony of the
anointing, the holy father delivered that impressive prayer which
concluded with these words : — " Diffuse, oh Lord, by my hands, the
treasures of your grace and benediction on your servant, Napoleon,
whom, in spite of our personal unworthiness, we this day anoint Em-
peror in your name.'1'' Napoleon listened to this prayer with an air
of pious devotion. But just as the Pope was about to take the crown,
called the crown of Charlemgane, from the altar, Napoleon seized it
and placed it on his own head.* At that moment he was really

* At that moment there occurred one of those incidents which pass un-
heeded, when they are not followed by any particular consequence, but which
nevertheless furnish food for superstition. For several months previous to the
coronation, the ancient roof and walls of Notre-Dame had been unmercifully
hammered by the workmen employed in fixing up the decorations; and several
small particles of stone which had been thus loosened fell during the ceremony
into the nave and choir. Just at the moment when Napoleon seized the
crown, and placed it on his own head, a stone, about the size of a nut, fell
from the roof, directly over the Emperor's shoulder. There was no movement
or gesture of the Emperor, which coidd enable me to guess whether or not he

62 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

handsome, and his countenance was lighted up with an expression, of
which no words can convey an idea. He had removed the wreath
of laurel which he wore on entering the church, and which encircles
his brow in the line picture of Gerard. The crown was, perhaps, in
itself, less becoming to him ; but the expression excited by the act of
putting it on, rendered him perfectly handsome.

\\ hen the moment arrived for Josephine to take an active part in
the grand drama, she descended from the throne, and advanced
towards the altar, where the Emperor awaited her, followed by her
retinue of court ladies, and having her train borne by the Princesses,
Caroline, Julie, Eliza, and Louis. One of the chief beauties of the
Empress Josephine was not merely her fine figure, but the elegant
turn of her neck, and the way in which she carried her head ; indeed
her deportment altogether was conspicuous for dignity and grace. 1
have had the honour of being presented to many real Princesses, to
use the phrase of the Faubourg St. Germain, but I never saw one,
who, to my eyes, presented so perfect a personification of elegance
and majesty. In Napoleon's countenance I could read the conviction
of all I have just said. He looked with an air of complacency at
the Empress, as she advanced towards him ; and when she knelt
down — when the tears which she could not repress fell upon her
clasped hands, as they were raised to Heaven, or rather to Napoleon
— both then appeared to enjoy one of those fleeting moments of pure
felicity which are unique in a life-time, and serve to fill up a vacuum
of years. The Emperor performed, with peculiar grace, every action
required of him during the ceremony ; but his manner of crowning
Josephine was most remarkable ; after receiving the small crown
surmounted by the cross, he had first to place it on his own head, and
then to transfer it to that of the Empress ; when the moment arrived
for placing the crown on the head of the woman whom popular
superstition regarded as his good genius, his manner was almost
playful. He took great pains to arrange this little crown, which was
placed over Josephine's tiara of diamonds ; he put it on, then took it
off. and finally put it on again, as if to promise her she should wear
it gracefully and lightly. My position enabled me fortunately to see
and observe every minute action and gesture of the principal actors
in this magical scene.

This part of the ceremony being ended, the Emperor descended
from the altar to return to his throne, while the magnificent Vival

felt the stone touch him; but small as it was, considering the vast height
from -which it fell, it is scarcely possible to believe he could be unconscious of
the circumstance.

CONVERSATION WITH THE EMPEROR. 63

was performed by the full chorus. At this moment the Emperor,
whose eagle eyes had hitherto glanced rapidly from one object to
another, recognised me in the little corner which I occupied. He
fixed his eye upon me, and I cannot attempt to describe the thoughts
which this circumstance conjured up in my mind. A naval officer
once told me, that during a shipwreck, when he had given himself up
for lost, the whole picture of his past life seemed to unfold itself
before him in the space of a minute. May it not be presumed that
Napoleon, when he looked at me, was assailed by a host of past
recollections ; that he thought of the Rue des Filles Saint-Thomas
and of the hospitality he had shared in my father's house ; and the
ride in a carriage with my mother, when returning from Saint Cyr,
he exclaimed, " Oh ! si fetais le maitre /"

When I saw the Emperor, a few days afterwards, he said, " Why
did you wear a black velvet dress at the coronation ?" This question
took me so by surprise, that I could not readily reply. " Was it a
sign of mourning ?" continued he. " Oh, Sire !" I exclaimed, and tho
tears started to my eyes. Napoleon looked at me as if he would
scan my very inmost thoughts : " But tell me," said he, " why did
you make choice of that sombre — I may almost say sinister colour ?" — ■
" Your Majesty did not observe that the front of- my robe was richly
embroidered with gold,* and that I wore my diamonds. I did not
conceive that there was any thing unsuitable in my dress ; not being
one of those ladies whose situations required them to appear in full
court costume." " Is that remark intended to convey an indirect
reproach ? Are you like certain other ladies, because they have not
been appointed dames du palais ? I do not like sulkiness and ill-
humour." — "Sire, 1 have shown no ill-humour; but for that I claim
no merit, because I feel none. Junot has informed me that your
Majesty does not wish to make double appointments in your house-
hold, and that of the Empress ; and that when the husband is one of
the military household, the wife cannot be a dame da palais." —
"Junot told you so, did he1? And how happened he to mention
that? Were you complaining? Are you infected with ambition?
I hate ambitious women. Unless they are queens, they are intri-
guers; remember that, Madame Junot. But now tell me, are you
not vexed at not being appointed dame du palais? Answer me can-
didly ; if a woman can be candid." — " I will, Sire ; but your Majesty
will not believe me." — " Come, come, let me have an answer." —

* The fact is, that Mark or dark-coloured vdvot dresses were much worn
at that time, especially with diamonds. There were a great many at Napo
leon'u coronation.

(U NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

'• Then I am not vexed.'1 — " How ?" " Because I am not one of
those persona who can easily conform to positive subjection ; and
your Majesty would probably wish that the protocol for regulating
the court of the Empress should be framed on the model of a
military code." Napoleon laughed. "Not unlikely," resumed he.
'• However. I am satisfied ; you have given me a very good answer,
and I shall remember it." Then, after a pause, he said, " Poor
Junot, did you observe how his feelings were moved at the corona-
tion ? He is a faithful friend. Who could have foreseen, when we
were both at Toulon, ten years ago, that we should live to see such a
day as the 2d of December ?" — " Perhaps Junot, Sire." Here I
reminded him of a letter which my husband wrote to his father in
1794, and in which he refuted the objection of the old roan who
blamed him for leaving his regiment to follow the fortune of an
obscure and unknown general like Bonaparte. Junot replied, " You
ask me who General Bonaparte is? He is one of those men whom
nature creates sparingly, and who appear in the world now and then,
in the lapse of ages." My father-in-law showed this letter to the
First Consul, when he passed through Dijon after the battle of Ma-
rengo ; and the Emperor appeared quite struck with the recollection
which I called to his mind. The conversation between myself and
Napoleon, which I have just described, took place at a ball which
was given either by the war minister or M. de Talleyrand ; I do not
precisely remember which.

CHAPTER VII.

Junot appointed Ambassador to Portugal — He hesitates to accept the appoint-
ment— Lord Robert Fitzgerald and his lady — Marshal Lannes recalled —
Cambaceres — Opening of the legislative body — Letter from Napoleon to the
King of England — Departure of the squadron to Dominica — Its success — De-
tailed instructions given to me by the Emperor — Preparations for my de-
parture— Court dresses and hoops — M. d'Arango — Junot's farewell interview
•3-ith Napoleon — Our departure from Paris — Honours paid to Junot on the
route — Arrival at Bayonne — Alphonso Pignatelli's offer of his house at
Madrid — Entrance into Spain.

One day Junot returned home with a thoughtful and almost melan-
choly air. He told me that the Emperor was desirous of giving him
a proof of his confidence, of which doubtless he was very sensibl? but

LORD FITZGERALD AND HIS LADY. 65

which, nevertheless, caused him some uneasy apprehensions. The
Emperor had proposed that he should proceed on an embassy to
Portugal. At first I beheld only the brilliant side of the matter, and
[ said, " Well ! why are you dissatisfied ?" — " Because," replied Junot,
" I am not calculated for diplomacy, and that brave and excellent
fellow Lannes tells me that the court of Lisbon is a perfect bear-
garden, and that I should be sure to get into some scrape. England
is all powerful at Lisbon ; Austria threatens to turn her back upon us
as well as Prussia and Russia ; therefore you may well imagine that
I am not much inclined to go to take a siesta in Portugal, amidst tho
firing of cannon, and musketry." I knew Junot's character, and I
made no reply ; indeed, this last objection closed my mouth. For
my own part, the bare idea of quitting France rendered me miserable.
However, as this was an affair which might place Junot in a situation
to show wnat he was capable of, I did not wish to turn him from a
path which might augment his reputation as a man of merit and
talent.

There was one very disagreeable circumstance connected with it
■ — Junot's predecessor, General Lannes, who was disliked at Lisbon,
and wished to return home, as it was said, formed a plan for getting
himself recalled. At that time Lord Robert Fitzgerald, who had been
secretary to the embassy in Paris, in 1790, filled the office of English
ambassador at Lisbon. No man could possess more polished, though
cold manners, or a more dignified address. His personal appearance
too was in his favour, and formed a singular contrast to that of his
wife, who was an extremely plain woman, and whose hatred of Franco
caused her to assume at intervals the air of a fury. She spoke of the
Emperor as a brigand, deserving of the scaffold, and she always
alluded to him in a strain of invective. It will easily be supposed
that General Lannes, who was devoted to Napoleon, was not very
well pleased, either with the husband or the wife, though the conduct
of the former was strictly courteous. Lannes disliked all the English
embassy,* not excepting Lord Strangford, who at that period seemed
to divide his time between sleeping and translating Camoens.

Only those who knew Lannes can form a just idea of the hatred
he bore to England. lie. did not understand the art of dissembling

* Amongst other vexations, Lannes was greatly annoyed at Lord Robert's
taking precedence of him in all points of etiquette. This feeling exploded in
rather a rough manner on the occasion of their respective carriages meeting on
the n>ad to Queluz. Lannes' coachman, wishing to humour his master's ani-
mosity, drove so violently against the lighter vehicle in which tho English
ambassador was seated, that it was overturned in a ditch.
44

86 NAPOLEON, IIIS COURT AND FAMILY.

his sentiments, and he expressed them with all the frankness of his
character. One may readily suppose, that in the midst of a foreign
oourt, where obsequious manners are above all things considered a
duty, Marshal Lannes would appear somewhat singular. Madame
Lannes, it is true, relieved the conventional interview of diplomatic
and courtly life, by the sweetness of her manner, and her admirable
beauty ; but Lady Fitzgerald regarded those charms only as so many
faults in a Frenchwoman, and the warfare which she waged against
the French became the. more active in consequence.

Junot, who was the most frank and communicative of men, had
no desire to travel to Portugal, to practise the arts of policy and dis
simulation. Besides, it was his wish to remain in Paris, for he was
desirous of either serving as first aide-de-camp to the Emperor, or
resuming the command of the. first military division which was sepa-
rated from the governorship of Paris. He thought that Murat, the
Emperor's brother-in-law, would not continue governor of Paris, and
in his heart he wished to be once more at the head of the military
administration of the capital of France. Not knowing how to decide,
Junot resolved to take the advice of the arch-chancellor, who had
always professed a regard for him, and whom Junot highly esteemed.
The arch-chancellor listened attentively to all Junot said, and then
told him he ought to set out on the embassy. ;' But," said Junot, " 1
shall only commit blunders. Do you imagine that I can submit to
all the contrivance and the duplicity which diplomacy requires ]" —
" Do not make a bugbear of that," replied Cambaceres, " the more
especially as I have this bit of advice to give you : continue to be just
what you are. Frankness is the most able agent of diplomacy. Be
sides, my dear general, you must obey his Majesty."

I have already said that I could not at this period quit Paris, with-
out the greatest mortification. I was young : Paris was then a sort
of fairy land. All my friends were there, my brother and my young-
est daughter, whom I should be compelled to leave behind me,
because she was too tender an age to undertake so long a journey.
These considerations distressed me. Besides, Madame Lannes did
not give me any very agreeable accounts of Lisbon. It appeared that
there was no society there, except that which was under the influence
of England.

Finally, the journey was decided upon, and Junot was charged not
only with the embassy to Lisbon, but with a secret and important
mission to the court of Madrid, where General Beurnonville was
French ambassador. Affairs had assumed so serious an aspect that
it was necessary the Emperor should direct his whole attention to his

LETTER TO THE KING OF ENGLAND. 67

allies in the south. Portugal was neutral ; but so wily as to require
close watching, and Spain was so wretchedly governed, that it was
indispensable to keep an eye on her motions also. England was dis-
satisfied, and threatened to convulse Europe again with her quarrels.
Spain, too, declared war against England on the 12th or 15th of
December of this year. The question was, would the Spanish gov
ernment maintain faith towards us as long as our interests required if?

A great and imposing ceremony took place towards the end of
December; namely, the opening of the legislative assembly. The
Emperor was upon that occasion what he was so often during the
glorious years which commenced his immortal era. His speech was
simple and dignified. He demanded justice for the French people
against the bad faith of England, and accused the latter of wishing to
disturb the peace of Europe. In the month of January, 1805, the
Emperor wrote to the King of England. He addressed his letter
directly to the monarch. It was in the following terms : — " I do not
see any dishonour in making the first advances. I have, I believe,
proved to the world that I do not fear the chances of war : but peace
is now the wish of my heart. I beseech your Majesty not to deny
yourself the happiness of giving peace to the world. Do not leave
that pleasure to your successors. I wish your Majesty could be con-
vinced of on- truth, namely, that a new coalition can tend only to
augment the greatness and the continental preponderance of France."

Events proved, during that same year, that the Emperor was cor-
rect in this assertion. The above is the letter which has been so
strangely described in publications as scurrilous as they are false.
This noble step on the part of Napoleon, so free from all petty ambi-
tion and vanity, has been represented as having been written, not only
to deceive the French people, but to afford the Emperor an oppor-
tunity of treating with a crowned head as an equal. Is it likely, that
at the most brilliant period of Napoleon's glory, when he was the
adored and legally-recognized Sovereign of the greatest nation of
Europe, he should have wished to treat, from mere motives of vanil \ .
with a lunatic Monarch, and such a Prince as the Prince of Wales !
The persons who make these absurd charges against Napoleon, think
it very proper that the English minister should have returned an
answer to the French minister (M. de Talleyrand), giving him, instead
of reasons, impertinent evasions. " His Majesty," concluded the
English minister, " cannot give a more particular answer to the com-
munication which has been made to him before he communicates it
to the continental powers."

In the meantime a levy of sixty thousand men was ordered in

38 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILT.

Fnihv. Another law directed the building of a town in La Vendee,
Napoleon not only tranquillized these provinces, which were ravaged
by burnings, and inundated with blood, but he rebuilt their towns, and
restored life and fertility to the desolated plains. About this time a
Bquadron departed from Rochelle, notwithstanding the severity of the
season. It was freighted with arms and ammunition for Martinique,
and had on board General Joseph Lagrange, a brave officer, and
a faithful friend of Junot, with whom he had served in Egypt. lie
led his troops to the principal town of the English island, Dominica, and
effected a descent with all the success he could have anticipated, seizing
the garrison and artillery, destroying the magazines, and carrying off
the vessels at anchor in the port. All this was effected by the end of
February, and the squadron had only sailed from the He d'Aix, on the
11th of January of the same year, that is to say, five weeks previously.
The squadron consisted of one three-decker, three frigates, and four
vessels of the line. Admiral Missiessi commanded it.

When Junot's departure was resolved upon — when I learnt that
it was absolutely necessary for me to quit France, I lost no time in
making my preparations. The Emperor one day spoke to me at con-
siderable length respecting the conduct which it would be necessary
for me to observe towards the Portuguese and Spanish nobility.
"An ambassadress," said he, "is a more important personage in
diplomacy than is usually supposed. This is the case everywhere,
but more particularly with us, on account of the prejudice which
exists against France. It must be your endeavour to give the Portu-
guese a just idea of the manners of the imperial court. Be not
haughty — be not vain, but in your intercourse with the female
nobility of Portugal, practise much reserve and great dignity. You
will find at Lisbon many emigrant ladies who belonged to the ^ourt
of Louis XVI. ; you will also see some of these at Madrid. Be
scrupulously cautious in your conduct towards them ; be particularly
careful not to ridicule the customs of the country, or of the court,
when you do not understand them. Bear in mind the good lesson of
your mother. It is said that they may be both censured and ridi-
culed ; but if you must do the one or the other, censure rather than
ridicule. Remember that Sovereigns never pardon raillery. You
will be presented at the court of Spain. Be circumspect, while, at
the same time, you appear to be frank."

Here I looked at the Emperor as if to interrogate him, and he
added, with a certain degree of impatience : — " When I say circum-
spect, I mean that you must not tattle and gessip. The Queen of
Spain will ask you many questions about the Empress and the

THE EMPEROR'S INSTRUCTIONS. 69

Princesses; you must be prudent in your answers. The interior
of my family may be displayed to every eye .... Yet I do not wish
that the portraits of my sisters should be sketched by a bad painter."
(I have never forgotten this expression.) "Your Majesty," replied I,
" must be aware that I cannot be accused of any intention to do what

is displeasing to you." " I know it I know it ... . But you are

satirical You like to tell a good story. That is one thing which

you must avoid. The Queen of Spain will be the more curious to
question you, because the wife of the French ambassador at Madrid
knows nothing at all of the imperial court, and very little about
France, having passed all her girlhood in emigration. The Queen
will, therefore, ask you many questions about the Empress and the
court. So long as these questions refer only to the fashion of a gown
or a hat, well and good ; but, whenever the conversation may turn on
more important topics, which will happen, for the Queen of Spain is

an intelligent and artful woman then be on your guard. As to

me, you know my name must never be pronounced except as it is
mentioned in the Moniteur. There is at Madrid a person who detests
me ; the Princess of the Asturias ... Be careful what you say before
her. She speaks French as well as you do ... . But you speak Italian,
do you not? . . . . That is very lucky .... They speak very little French
in Madrid and Lisbon, but almost every body speaks Italian. Let
me hear how you pronounce." .... I recited part of one of Petrarch's
sonnets, and the Emperor appeared much pleased with my accent.
"Excellent!" he exclaimed, rubbing his hands. "You will easily
learn Portuguese, since you speak Italian so well .... But be sure
to recollect what I have said about gossiping .... Are you on
good terms with the Princess Caroline?" — "Very good, Sire, as far
as I know." — "And with the Princess Pauline?" I replied in the
affirmative.

I could easily perceive, that Pauline was the person to whom he
had intended to allude while he was impressing upon me the necessity
of not gossiping. I have frequently observed that the Emperor, in
ap te of the decision he manifested in important events, used some-
times to wind round about in the most circuitous way, to come to his
point, in the merest trifles ; as, for example, in the case above-
mentioned. At that time, libels were written in England on the
personages of the imperial family. The Princess Pauline and Madame
Latitia Bonaparte, in particular, were represented in the most odious
colours; and these attacks were totally unjust, as tin- as related to
Madame Lajtitia, whose character was irreproachable. The Emperor
wrs fully acquainted with all these libels, and they annoyed him

70 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

infinitely more than those which had been circulated by the secret
orders of the Prussian anil Russian cabinets, in 1802. Napoleon was

susceptible on this point, to a degree — which must appear incredible
to those who did not know him.

"Receive company," he added, continuing his instructions to me;
" make your house in Lisbon as attractive as it was in Paris, when
you were Madame la Commandante. . . . What you must have
observed among the ladies of the foreign ministers in Paris, may
serve as a guide to your conduct. In Madame de Gallo, Madame
de Cetto, Madame de Lucchesini, and the English Duchess, you have
seen both enough to copy and avoid. . . . Live in good harmony
with the wives of your husband's diplomatic colleagues ; but form no
intimacies with any one. They give rise to little female quarrels, in
which the husbands sometimes take part. Thus two states may go
to war, because two women have disagreed, or because one has a
more elegant hat than the other." I could not forbear laughing.
" Do not imagine I am joking," resumed the Emperor. " I enjoin
you to be very circumspect in this intercourse. Lady Fitzgerald is,
I understand, a perfect drum-major in petticoats. Leave her to make
herself ridiculous. That is revenge enough for us." I had similar
conversations, at various times, with the Emperor, on the subject of
my visit to Portugal. He evidently regarded it as a point of great
importance, that one of the females of the new French court should
appear in a favourable light, in the eyes cf a people, among whom the
English maintained such high credit and constant intercourse.

A circumstance which not a little augmented my disinclination to
go to Portugal, was that it would place me under the necessity of
conforming to that most absurd of all follies, viz : — the observance of
old customs, for no other reason, than because they are old. The
custom of wearing hoops at court appeared to me the most stupid
thing imaginable. Madame Lannes had informed me, that in spite
of all hd efforts and those of the General, she had found it impossible
to evade this formality. She added, that it was absolutely necessary
I should get my hoops made in Paris; for, to complete the absurdity,
there was no possibility of getting any thing in the way of dress
properly made in Lisbon. I accordingly bespoke my hoops from
Leroy.

As I was to be presented in the spring, I ordered two court
dresses, such as might suitably be worn during the two seasons
succeeding the winter. One was composed of white crape, embroi-
dered with gold lama, and a hat to correspond, adorned with a plume
of white feathers; the other was of rose-coloured silk, embroidered

junot's farewell interview. 71

with silver lama, with a wreath of silver leaves, the latter not em-
broidered, but merely laid on, and marking the contour of the
horrible hoop : the head dress corresponded with the robe. Mesdem-
oiselles l'Olive and de Beuvry made me a great many dresses, in a
style of exquisite taste, which contrasted singularly enough with the
hoop, that last remnant of the barbarism of the middle ages. As
to Junot, his presentation dress was ready : it consisted of his
uniform of colonel-general of the hussars, which he had worn at
the coronation.

We had recently become acquainted with some Portuguese, who
enabled us to form a more favourable opinion of their countrymen,
than we had hitherto entertained ; for our judgment had been formed
from the manners of M. de Lima, the Portuguese ambassador, then
in Paris. Among these new acquaintances was M. d'Araujo, who
was about to fill the important post of minister for foreign affairs at
Lisbon. He had been almost all his life absent from Portugal, on
foreign embassies. He spoke French and several other languages
and had an extensive acquaintance with literature.

I had hoped that we should not set out until the spring, but some
orders which Junot received from the Emperor accelerated our
departure. Public affairs became more and more involved, and
everything foreboded a third continental coalition. The influence of
England at the courts of Lisbon and Madrid threatened to become
dangerous in those moments of agitation which obviously preceded a
storm, and we were required to quit Paris in the midst of the
carnival of 1805, when all was festivity and joy. It was not the
balls and masquerades that Junot regretted, but he was afraid that
the war would be commenced without him, and with his natural
frankness he said to the Emperor, " Your Majesty," observed he,
'• who has always been so good to me, will not surely inflict on me a
wound which admits of no reparation. How severe was the mortifi-
cation I experienced on receiving intelligence of the battle of
Marengo. Sire, you to ^e never been in battle without me, and I
conjure that you will promise to recall me whenever hostilities are
likely to commence." — " I promise to do so," said the Emperor, with
emotion ; and stretching out his hand to Junot, he added, "I give you
my word of honour that I will." — " I am satisfied," replied Junot,
"and I shall serve your majesty with the greater zeal as my mind
will be free from inquietude."

We set out at midnight on Shrove Tuesday, a circumstance not
a little tantalizing to a young woman of nineteen. But I can honestly
declare that at the moment of crossing the barrier, I was far from

72 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

thinking of the gaiety I was leaving behind me. I was in the most
painful state of feeling thai 1 ever experienced, and yet few lives have
been more chequered with misfortune than mine. My mind was
completely subdued by the misery of this first banishment ; for sueh
1 considered it: and yet the future which unfolded itself before me
was not altogether devoid of consolation. I was going with the title
of ambassadress to a foreign court, and the Emperor had directed
Junot to travel through France with all the state required by his
new dignity. In every town through which wre passed, we were
sainted by the firing of cannon or musketry, and received addresses
from mayors, prefects, sub-prefects, &c, Junot was the first ambas-
sador whom Napoleon had sent abroad since he had been made
Emperor, and he wished to give to the mission the utmost possible
eclat. On our arrival at Bayonne, Junot left me and my little
daughter under the charge of the gentlemen who accompanied him in
official capacities, and proceeded to Madrid, on horseback, accom-
panied by Colonel Laborde. It was somewhat extraordinary for
an ambassador at that period to ride two hundred leagues on
horseback. I followed him, escorted by MM. de Rayneval and de
Cherval.

As it had been determined before our departure from Paris, that
we should make a tolerably long stay at Madrid, Junot made in-
quiries where I could be suitably lodged during the five or six weeks
that we should continue there. At that time there was but one posada
(the Cross of Malta), which was neither a suitable place for me, nor a
comfortable abode for any one. We could not reasonably throw
ourselves upon the hospitality of the French ambassador; for Junot's
suite formed a completB colony, and, besides, my husband had a sort
of pride which prevented him from placing himself under such an
obligation to the man whom he wras in some measure, at least tem-
porarily, to supplant. It was originally the Emperor's intention that
we should put up at the hotel of the Embassy.

We were one day talking over this difficulty of procuring accom-
modation in Madrid, and Junot, who was one of those people who
always cut a knot where they cannot untie it, talked of sending me to
Lisbon, without stopping longer than two or three days in Madrid.
This was not at all to my taste; for I was anxious that the journey,
since I was obliged to undertake it, should afford me materials for
study and observation ; and, besides, to make this sort of flying visit
to Madrid, appeared to me not conformable to the wishes of the
Emperor. We wrere discussing this embarrassing subject, when one
of our friends, Alphonso Pignatelli, the younger brother of Count

ENTRANCE INTO SPAIN. 73

Armando de Fuentcs, entered to pay me his morning visit, which he
never failed to do. " If," said he, " you choose to incur the incon-
venience of being lodged in a bachelor's house, I shall be proud to
offer you the use of mine in the Calle del Clavel, at Madrid. I would
not take the liberty of making such an offer, but that I know the
difficulty you will experience in procuring an abode. However, 1
promise you you will be poorly accommodated : there are two or
three beds, a few chairs and tables, and one or two of the windows, I
believe, are provided with curtains. But, after all, if you will conde-
scend to encamp in my hermitage, bad as it is, you will find it better
than the Cross of Malta."

I laughed at his description, and very gladly accepted his offer.
He immediately dispatched a letter to his steward, giving directions
that the brasero should be ornamented with olives, and that some
other preparations might be made to prevent my forming as un-
favourable an idea of Spain as he entertained ; for both he and his
brother hated the country. I set out from Bayonne, where I had
passed three days very agreeably, at the house of our banker, M.
Dubrocq, and I entered Spain. Now the scene totally changed.
The characters, it is true, were sometimes the same ; but they seemed
to be performing on another stage, with new dresses and decorations.

CHAPTER VIII.

We enter Spain — Aspect of the country — Arrival at Madrid — An agreeable sue
prise — General arid Madame de Beurnonville — Arenjeuz San lldefonso — Th«
Escurial — State of the Peninsula — Prince of the Peace — Super b road-ap-
proach to Madrid — Description of the capital — Character of tire Spaniards
— Their absurd national vanity — Ladies of the Spanish court — The Mar-
chioness de Santiago's false eye-brow — Junot's interview with Godoy — Tiro
Prince and Princess of the Asturias — Notice of the elevation of Godoy — His
character — The Court at Aranjeuz — Road to that palace from Madrid —
Beauty of its situation — My presentation to the King and Queen — White
gloves forbidden — Tire camerara-mayor — Description of Charles IV. and his
Queen — My conversation with their Majesties.

Hpatx, in 1807, when the French army marched through it to gain the
frontier of Portugal, bore no resemblance to the Spain which I beheld
when I entered that ancient kingdom in the month of March, 1805.
. scarcely know how to describe the first aspect of a country so si rangel)

74- NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

different from oura in forms, in language, and in customs. England,
separated from France as it is by the Channel, is even less different
from our country than is Spain from the last French village upon the
hanks of the Bidassoa. I left St. Jean de Luz in the morning, and
slept at Yrun, a miserable town on the opposite side of this streamlet,
or rather marsh, in which is situated that Isle of the Conference where
the dishonest said to the honest minister, "77 ri'y a plus de Pyrenees."
The utterance of such a sentiment, in 1GG0, might have made one
expect to find, in 1805, at least some vestiges of relationship between
the two people. None, however, exist. Nay, notwithstanding the
apparent alliance which, since the time of the Directory, was so
proudly displayed — notwithstanding the fraternity which seemed to
be established between the two nations — I could easily perceive, even
on the frontier, that they were not friends. The curiosity we inspired
was tinctured with no kindly feeling, and I am convinced that when
we put up at a posada, we were made to pay more for the ruido de
la casa than would have been exacted from an Italian, or even from a
heretic Englishman.

I reached Madrid on the 10th March; Junot, who was advised of
my arrival, came to meet me. He was accompanied by General
Beurnonville, our ambassador at Madrid, who informed me that
Alphonso Pignatelli had given a very faithful description of his house,
and that it was scarcely habitable. " Madame de Beurnonville,"
said he, " regrets exceedingly that we cannot ask you to come to our
hotel ; but wre are very badly accommodated ourselves, and are full
of complaints." This was said on our way to the Calle de Gavel, in
which Pignatelli's house was situated. The twTo ambassadors had
got into my carriage, and we soon drove up to the door of my new
abode. I beheld a little white house, built exactly on the model of
those of England ; for many in Madrid are like those in London,
whatever difference may exist in other respects between the two cities.
The door was furnished with a bright brass knocker ; and on entering
I found myself in a neat little vestibule paved with marble, and as
well sanded as if it had formed part of a Dutch habitation. The stair.
case was, like the house itself, small, but elegant and in good taste.
We passed through an ante-chamber to the dining-room, and I next
proceeded to examine the drawing-room and bed-chamber, and was
delighted with the neatness and elegance of the furniture. A good
collection of pictures, French bronzes, and porcelain, completed the
ornaments of this agreeable habitation, which was certainly one of
the finest houses in Madrid. Junot and Beurnonville were highly
amused by observing my astonishment. This little conspiracy had

ARRIVAL AT MADRID. VO

Deen got up in order to afford me the pleasure of an agreeable sur
prise. After resting a few hours, I proceeded to the French ambassa-
dor's, and was kindly welcomed by Madame Beurnonville. This
lady was very much respected at Madrid, where her exalted birth
alone would have insured her a favourable reception. In a country
where birth is every thing, it is very important that an ambassador's
lady should possess that qualification. The impression produced
even by the Emperor's glory, reflected as it was upon his generals,
was not, .however, sufficient to command the respect of persons of
elevated rank. A prejudice so profoundly rooted, could not be re
moved in a day.

When 1 arrived at Madrid, the court had quitted the Escurial for
Aranjuez.* The customs observed at the Spanish court at this period,
were the same as those which prevailed in the reign of Philip II.

I will now take a retrospective glance at Madrid and Spain, as
they were before the war, before the intrigues of a few obscure indi-
viduals surrounded that kingdom with snares, and by exciting the
people against France, succeeded in changing totally, both the moral
and physical aspect of the country. I will also describe Portugal ; I
will paint both countries as I saw them, and the notes and correspon
dence I have now before me, will essentially aid me in this task.
When I visited Spain, on my journey to Lisbon, all was profound
tranquillity, and such a thing as an invasion was never thought of, at

* Aranjuez is situated in a truly picturesque and romantic spot, in a beau
tiful valley on the Tagus, to the south-west of Madrid. The royal domicile if,
as it were, entombed in verdure and luxuriant foliage. But the little attention
which is bestowed upon the canals and waters which flow through the beauti-
ful grounds render the retreat ungenial during the hot seasons. At the end of
May, the Royal family quit Aranjuez for La Granja or San Ildefonso — wretched
imitations of Versailles, the work of Philip V. La Granja is situated to the
north of Madrid, upon the slope of a chain of high mountains. This renders it
a desirable summer retreat. Consequently the Royal family linger there till
June, July, or August. The third sitio, or country residence, is San Lorenzo or
the Escurial. On this place, Philip II. has impressed the seal jf his wild and
savage character. The history of his reign is written upon these dreary walls.
This mass of stone conveys at one and the same time the idea of a palace and a
monastery; but still without the majesty of the one, or without the austerity
and religious gloominess which ought to accompany the other. Hero the court
sojourns from September to December, in other words during the coldest period
of the year. And vet the temperature of the Escurial, built as it is in an open
situation on the declivity of (Juadarrama, is by no means genial. The winds
roge with violence, the mountains which .surround it arc divested of verdure
and nature seems to dwindle in these ever snow-clad regions, (hough the sun
shoots his ardent rays over the barren rocks.

JQ NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

least on Mir part. The alliance between France and Spain, on the
contrary, was more friendly than ever. In all the ports of Andalusia
preparations were making to join the Spanish and French fleets, and
Junot was specially charged with secrel despatches for the further-
ance of this measure. He had occasion to confer with the Prince of
the Peace on the subject of the junction, which the Emperor considered
of high importance. The Spanish navy was then formidable, at all
events it had a reputation. This was before the battle of Trafalgar.
But 1 tnink myself particularly fortunate in having been able at the
time to which I refer, to glean some knowledge of the royal family,
and of (lie man who then ruled Spain, and whose sceptre, though light
as a reed, was furnished with iron points, with wdiich he inflicted
wounds on a generous people. The Prince of the Peace is one of
those extraordinary characters who have obtained celebrity without
any just grounds. A similar instance has occurred in Russia. The
history of the Prince of the Peace, presents in a striking light, the
melancholy results of illicit passion. I both saw and heard a great
deal respecting the Prince of the Peace during my stay in Spain.
These particulars I will lay before the reader.

After I passed the stone lion which marks the boundary between
Newr and Old Castile, I never saw any thing to equal the barrenness
of the country. No gardens, no country-houses, no culture, nothing
in short indicating the vicinity of a great capital. This stone lion,
with its pompous inscriptions, stands at the entrance of the very finest
road I ever beheld. It was a Roman way in the best time of Rome,
when she left in distant kingdoms those vestiges of her grandeur
which are still found after the lapse of ages. How strange that vanity-
should have induced its founder, Ferdinand VI., to erect so pompous a
monument to commemorate the formation of a few leagues of road,
in a tract of country presenting not a single house, or a trace of culture !
and for this, to style himself the father of his country !

But though the approach to Madrid produces so unfavourable an
impression, yet the appearance of the city on first entering it is never-
theless grand and imposing. The streets are long and straight; the
Calle do Alcala, where the French ambassador resided, is one of the
finest streets in Europe. It is terminated at one end by the magnifi-
cent promenade of the Prado, and the fine palace of the Duke of Alva,
and at the other by La Puerta del Sol. The great street of Toledo,
of which so much is said in Gil Bias, and in the Spanish romances, and
the street of Atocha, are finer than any in London or Paris. For a
long period Madrid wras but a little town of no note belonging to the
Archbishop cf Toledo. Ph'uip II. first made it a royal residence. He

SPAIN AND THE SPANIARDS. 77

was influenced in his choice by the salubrity of the air of Madrid and
its fine waters, of which there is an abundant supply. Fountains are
to be seen in every quarter of the city, which for execution and design,
are execrable — a rather extraordinary circumstance, considering that
they were erected at the epoch ?f the revival of the arts, when Spain
produced so many splendid works. I can bear testimony to the fine
quality of the water they supply. Its excellence arises, I fancy, from
the many meanderings it is obliged to make.

I entertain the highest admiration for the Spanish character. I have
studied it at different periods, I have seen it as it really is — lofty,
generous, and magnanimous; I have remarked its virtues and defects;
but the latter are rather the effect of circumstances than of disposition.
The Spaniards are remarkable for command of temper, and are distin-
guished by great patience ; the latter virtue was particularly fatal to
us in our unfortunate expedition against them ; for with it were
combined uniform affection for their sovereign, and a superstition
which the monks turned to their own profit the more easily, as the
Spaniards are, at least were, sincerely devout. I am aware that a
poison extremely dangerous to an unenlightened people, has since
insinuated itself among them ; viz., a superficial education engendering
infidelity and free thinking. This is one of the legacies we have left
them. The piety of the women presented a peculiarity which sur-
prised me : it was directed exclusively to the Virgin. In Spain the
Virgin is adored under a thousand different names, and each day is
sacred to some new ceremony. The vast array of saints whom they
invoke in their prayers, in preference even to the name of the Almighty
or the Saviour, was a circumstance sufficiently calculated to astonish
a Frenchwoman ; for our religion is simple in its forms, compared to
that of the Spaniards. What is related of the horror entertained by
the Spaniards for drunkenness, is perfectly true. Before the invasion,
when I crossed the Peninsula, from one end to the other, I saw but
two men in a state of inebriation, the one a Frenchman, and the other
a Catalan, a sailor, and so ignorant, that he knew nothing of his country
but its name.

To see the Spaniard in his native character it is necessary to go
into the heart of the kingdom. Our last invasion, short as it was, has
left permanent traces. Conquerors always impress some portion of
their character on a conquered people. For instance, the Spaniards
derive from the Moors their taste for plays, tournaments, and other
shows, their respectful gallantry to females, their love of titles, and
their habit of speaking in metaphor and hyperbole, their gravity in
deportment and conversation, and the jealousy which renders them

78 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

^ indictive and distrustful. Their Gothic ancestors, the Goths, and true
founders of Spain, bequeathed to them freedom and probity. Their
superstition may perhaps be dated from the period of the long inva-
sion, or rather importation of the Romans, who were remarkably
superstitious, I)«> we not see in Rome and throughout Italy, the
same superstition now-a-days 1 There is one fault with which the
Spaniards may justly be reproached, because it is offensive to foreign-
ers who visit them ; this is their excessive national vanity. There
are few Spaniards who do not think their nation the first in the world ;
and they maintain this absurdity with great positiveness. They still
beguile themselves with the flattering recollection of the conquest of
the new world, and of the times when Charles V. dreamt of universal
monarchy. In this, indeed, they are not unlike us. For valour and
conquest, we still fancy ourselves as great as we were in the glorious
days of the Revolution and the Empire ; and for urbanity and elegance,
think ourselves equal to the subjects of Louis XIV. ; while we have
retrogaded as far from the one as the other.

Immediately on my arrival in Madrid I was visited by many
ladies of the court, some of whom manifested towards me much kind-
ness and attention. One of these ladies, the Duchess of Ossuna, had
resided long at Paris, and was distinguished for pleasing manners and
gracious deportment. The Duchess's two daughters, the Marchioness
de Santa Cruz, and the Marchioness of Camarasa, were both highly
educated and amiable women. Her house was furnished in the French
style, and in the most perfect taste. Another lady of high rank, who
paid me a visit as soon as she had learnt my arrival, was the Mar-
chioness d'Arizza, formerly Duchess of Berwick. Her second husband,
the Marquis d'Arizza, was chief majordomo to the Queen Maria
Luisa. In her youth she had been very beautiful, and at the time I
knew her, she still retained her fine figure and graceful deportment.
When, on the morning promenade at the Prado, she alighted from
her carriage and walked up and down, attired in an elegant basquina,
and lace mantilla, drawing the latter from side to side with her fan, to
shade the eyes, as the Spaniards say, she resembled one of Andalusia'3
lovely daughters. She had then a son twelve years of age, who has
lately been at Paris, under the title of the Duke of Berwick.

I also received much attention from the Marchioness de Santiago.
A stranger figure than this lady was never seen. The Marquis
d'Arizza had laid me a wager that I could not look at her without
laughing. The poor woman painted most unmercifully. The ladies
of Charles II.'s court would have looked pale beside her. Her daily
operation of painting being ended, she made herself a pair of finely

THE MARCHIONESS DE SANTIAGO. 79

arcned black eyebrows, which she fixed above a pair of immense
eyes, which were constantly on the broad stare. These same eye-
brows cave rise to a laughable incident which 1 heard related at the
house of the Marchioness d'Arizza. There was a party at Aranjuez,
and the company were in the height of gaiety, dancing and laughing,
when the Marchioness de Santiago was announced. Though she was
then somewhat younger, she painted as thickly as when further ad-
vanced in life, and she was attended then, as she still was at the age
of sixty, by a cavaliere servente, of to use the Spanish term, a cortejo.
The Marchioness arrived late, and apologised by saying, that the
beauty of the evening had tempted her to take the air in the Calle de
la lieyna. Whilst she spoke a universal titter prevailed through the
room. Her appearance, which was at all times singular, was at this
moment irresistibly droll. She had but one eyebrow! As nature
had in her case been very sparing of this feature, and as the one which
attracted attention was black as jet, the contrast was complete. She
herself had no suspicion that any thing was wrong. The cortejo was
equally unconscious. At length the mirth of the company exploded
in loud peals of laughter, and the lost eyebrow was discovered to
have accidentally fixed itself on the forehead of the cortejo.

There was at the court of Madrid at this time a lady who very
much pleased me. This was Madame Carrujo from the Havana.
Her figure was rather large for a Spanish woman, but exquisitely pro
portioned, as indeed they all are, especially those born in the colonies.
These latter possess a symmetry of form, which even the lair Andalu-
sians cannot boast of.

Junot, who was very anxious to have an interview with the Prince
of the Peace,* saw him on the day after his arrival. The Prince

* Don Manuel Godoy was born at Badajoz in Estremadura. His father waa
a petty provincial gentleman, a kind of country squire. Manuel had an elder
brother, Luis, who, 1 believe, through the patronage of the Duke de I'lnfantado,
entered the body guards. Don Luis was a tall, handsome young man, something
like his brother, and he speedily attracted the notice of a lady, who, though hei-
Belf filling the most exalted rank, nevertheless scrupled not to select her favourite!
from the lowest classes of society. Luis was soon established in her good graces,
and got his brother entered in the same company of the body guards. But the
lad_y who had so graciously noticed him was not remarkable for the stability
of her affections. Manuel was probably handsomer, and more agreeable than
his brother. In short,, he pleased: and his elevation was rapid. In course of
time, he was created, first Duke de la Aleudia, and next, Prince of the Peace.
This last dignity appeared the more extraordinary, because the title of I'rinco
is never conferred on Spanish subjects. It was on the occasion of the treaty of
peace, signed in IT'JT, between the French Republic and Spain, that the Dik«
de la Aleudia received that signal mark of favour.

80 NAPOLEON, HIS COUKT AND FAMILY.

knew thai he had to make an important communication from tha
Emperor Napoleon, and although the cannon of Austerlitz had not yet

been heard, Spain was the mosl faithful ally of France; as much from
interest, it may be believed, as from friendship. The Prince of the
Peace wished to please the Emperor, and was exceedingly gracious
during this interview with Junot, who came home quite captivated
by him. "Berthier was talking nonsense," he said, "when he spoke
ill of this man. He is described as being insolent, but I consider him
merely a courtier, such as I can imagine the gentlemen of the court
of Philip V. to have been. He does not like the Prince and Princess
of the Asturias, and he informs me that we shall not meet with a good
reception in that quarter. He says that France has no greater enemy
than the Prince Royal, and added that it is his wife, the daughter of
the King of Naples, who has excited him against us, merely because
France is the ally of Spain." Junot informed me that the Prince
exclaimed, "Ah, monsieur, Spain will some day have in him a king
who will render her very unfortunate! This double alliance with the
house of Naples, forms a bond which connects us writh Austria, to
whom a third daughter of the King of Naples is married. All these
women have combined against France. Her new glory mortifies
them, and perhaps you will scarcely believe that this new league is
planned and directed by the Queen of Naples herself. Our gracious
Queen, whom heaven preserve, opposes this influence with all the
powers of her mind and her natural affection for her son ; but Gen-
eral " and he struck his breast with his right hand and shook his

head repeatedly.

" I am astonished at what you tell me," said I to Junot ; " I have
often heard my uncle Demetrius speak of the Princess of JNaples, who
is now Princess of the Asturias. He knew her at Naples, and described
her as a charming creature, beautiful and interesting; able to converse
in seven or eight languages; an excellent musician and artist; and, in
short, a highly accomplished woman. The Prince of the Peace must
talk nonsense." Junot rejoined, "May not a Princess be accomplished
in the sense in which you understand the word, and yet be the most
malicious person in the world?"

It would be a mistake to suppose, notwithstanding all that has
been said of him, that the Prince of the Peace was utterly devoid of
talent. He possessed considerable shrewdness, good sense, and
judgment, combined with an aptitude for business, the more re-
markable in a Spaniard, as they are usually very inactive. These
qualities seemed calculated to render him a good minister ; but, on
the contrary, what misfortunes did his administration bring upon

VISIT TO ARANJUEZ. 81

Spain! I believe Godoy's intentions to have been good, as a minister
and a patriot. He encouraged the arts ; and by his orders travellers
were sent from Spain to different parts of the world, in order to
bring back to their native country information on science and maim
faetures: he constructed bridges and roads: he opposed the Inquisi-
tion, and in this conflict, the most serious perhaps that was ever
maintained between the throne and the altar, the temporal authority
was triumphant. How, then, are we to account for the misery which
resulted from the government of the Prince of the Peace 1 On what
was grounded the hatred of the whole nation towards that one man 1
There must have been some good reasons for this, for it seldom hap
pens in such cases that the judgment of the mass of a nation is
erroneous.

The court, as I have already mentioned, was at Aranjuez when we
arrived in Madrid. Junot went there first without me; and it was
determined that I should be presented on the 24th of March, en
conjidencia, that is to say, without the formality of a full court dress
and hoop. We set out from Madrid on the 23rd of March, at four
in the afternoon, in order to sleep at Aranjuez that night, so that 1
might be presented to their Majesties next day, at half past one, that
is to say, immediately after their dinner, and before his Majesty went
out to hunt. On leaving Madrid, we crossed the Mancanarez by the
bridge built in the reign of Philip If., by Juan de Herrera, and in
allusion to which a wit of the time observed, that " now the bridge
is made for the river, it will be well to make a river for the bridge."
At a little distance further on, we again crossed the Mancanarez, but
by fording it; after which we found ourselves on the magnificent road
leading to Aranjuez, which is bordered merely by a few miserable-
looking olive trees. This road, which is six leagues in length, runs
in a straight line, and is so perfectly smooth that the carriage rolled
along as swiftly as though we had been flying. In this way we de-
■cended into the lovely valley in which is situated the royal sitio of
Aranjuez. The descriptions which the poets have given us of Arca-
dia, the valley of Tempo, and all the spots most favoured by Heaven,
do not excel the beauty of Aranjuez. On entering the valley, all
trace is lost of the chalky plains of New Castile. Instead of barren-
ness, the eye dwells on a picture of luxuriant fertility. Nothing is
seen but verdure, Sowers, and trees laden with fruit. A balmy fra-
grance perfumes the air. In short, one seems to be transported to
another world, and to enjoy a new existence. The palace is not line;
it is nothing more than a small plain country house, such as might be
the abode of any wealthy private gentleman. The Tagua surrounds
45

82 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the palace, and forms a very pretty artificial cascade in front of a
parterre beneath the windows. The water is so close to the walls,
that the King can enjoy the amusement of fishing from his terrace.

1 was so enchanted with this earthly paradise, that I could have
wished to spend the whole day in wandering over the grounds, instead
of retiring to my chamber to array myself in full dress at broad
noonday. However, I had no choice, and in clue time I commenc* d
the important preparations for my presentation. I put on a dres:*,
such as I should have worn at the imperial court, and my head-dress
was composed of diamonds. I should have preferred pearls ; for
diamonds appeared to me to have too glaring an effect for daylight.
But whenever I hinted at the idea of wearing pearls, to the Mar
chioness d'Arizza and some other ladies, they were as much shocked
as if I had intended to insult their Queen. I consequently put on my
diamonds. These ladies told me one thing w/hich appeared to me so
ridiculous that I thought they were only hoaxing me. They assured
me that the Queen never received a lady in white gloves. " You
must therefore recollect to take them off," said the Duchess d'Ossuna,
" or you will get into disgrace." I laughed at this, and when I was
dressed, never doubting but that what I had been told was a mere
joke, I put on a pair of white gloves. But on arriving at the door
of the apartment in which their Majesties were to receive me, the
earner ara-may or touched my arm, and by signs requested me to take
off my gloves. As she could not speak a word of French, and I
could scarcely understand a word of Spanish, the dialogue was not
very noisy, though our gestures were sufficiently animated. I ob-
served that the old lady was growing impatient, and I felt myself
getting a little out of humour. That I, a French woman and a for
eigner, who held no rank at the court of Spain, should be subjected
to this strange regulation, appeared to me unreasonable and absurd.
Perhaps I was equally so in attempting to resist it ; but I am one of
those persons who like to have their own way, and consequently I
found myself in open rebellion against the camerara-mayor, and rescv
lutely withdrawing my gloved hands, I exclaimed, "No, no, Senora !"
To which she replied, " Senora Ambassadress, it is indispensable."

At length, finding that I obstinately resisted, she smiled, and seiz-
ing my arm with her little dingy, shrivelled hands, she began to
unglove me by force. I now saw the folly of longer resistance, and
I submitted to the ceremony with a good grace. The old lady folded
up my gloves, and carefully laid them behind a red curtain, near the
- door of the Queen's apartment, and then looking at my hands, she
exclaimed : — " Jesus / . . . . Jesus .'.... how very ■pretty .... Oh f

THE KiNG AND QUEEN. 83

. . . ." She evidently wished to console me and to remove the
embarrassment I naturally felt at entering the presence-chamber in a
trained dress, diamonds and bare arms. The camerara-mayor then
entered to receive the commands of their Majesties, and on her return
1 was immediately ushered in.

The King and Queen were standing very near the door, so near
it, indeed, that on entering, I scarcely found room to make my three
courtesy s. The Queen advanced to me and received me with pleas-
ing condescension. She entered into conversation with me about my
journey, with an air of interest which certainly could not be sincere,
as she must have cared very little about me ; but she appeared to do
so, and this appearance is always gratifying on the part of a Sovereign.
She seemed to me to be still a fine woman, though she was then
growing stout, and was getting a double chin, like Catherine II.,
which imparted a matronly appearance to her countenance. She
nevertheless wore a coiffure a la grecque with pearls and diamonds
plaited along with her hair, or rather her wig. Her dress, which con-
sisted of a slip of yellow tafFety, covered with a robe of beautiful
English point lace, was cut exceedingly low on the neck and shoul-
ders. Her arms were without gloves and adorned with bracelets
composed of magnificent pearls, each clasp consisting of a single
ruby, the finest I ever beheld. I could not help thinking of my ad-
venture with the camerara-mayor when I saw the Queen's bare arms,
which, as well as her hands, were exceedingly beautiful. A smile
which I was unable to repress, apparently revealed to her Majesty
what was passing in my mind. — " I suppose," said she, " you were
astonished at being required to take off your gloves? It is a custom,
of which you, Madam, at least, have no reason to complain, for your
hands are made to be seen." Charles IVth's figure and appearance
were perfectly original. He was tall, his hair was grey and very
thin, and his extremely long nose did not tend to improve a counte-
nance naturally devoid of intelligence, though it had an expression of
good nature and benevolence. His toilet, when I had the honour of
teeing him, was not calculated to set ofFhis personal appearance. Ho
Wore a blue frock-coat of very coarse cloth, with yellow metal buttons,
buckskin small-clothes, blue stockings drawn up over his knees, after
the fashion of our grandfathers about a century ago, and over the
Blockings a pair of gaiters. I afterwards learned that this was his
hunting-dress. Hunting was an amusement, or in his case I may
more properly call it a fatigue, <>f which he was exceedingly fond.
hike his father, he went out to the chase every day of his life, let the

84 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

wratli.r be foul or fair. — "Rain breaks no bones," he used to say.*
Every day after dinner he would i^< -t into his carriage and take a
drive of seven <>r eight leagues before he commenced hunting. In
conformity with <>1<I etiquette, the foreign ministers were admitted tc
pay their respects i<> the King twice a week: — the day on which ]
was presented was one of these demi-reception days.

After speaking to me about my journey, and inquiring after the
health of my little daughter, the Queen suddenly changed the conver-
sation, and asked me some questions relative to the Empress Jose-
phine. However, she did not say much on that subject, for I managed
to change the conversation : from the feAv words which fell from the
Queen, I could easily perceive that the idea she had formed of the
Empress was not founded merely on her own judgment. — " How does
she dress?" inquired she. "In the most elegant and tasteful style,"
1 replied. " We take her as a model in all that relates to dress, not
merely because she is our Sovereign, but because her exquisite taste
prompts her to wear every thing that is most graceful and becoming."
"Does she wear rouge?" I answered "No," which at that time was
really true. The Empress certainly rouged at a later period of her
life ; but I never recollect having seen her wear it during the Consu-
late or the beginning of the Empire. "And flowers — does she wear
artificial flowers?" continued her Majesty. I replied in the affirma-
tive. But these short answers were not satisfactory. I was obliged
to be more specific, and accordingly described some of the dresses
which the Empress had worn at fetes in honour of the coronation.
The Queen then said to me, " Have you seen my daughter, the Queen
of Etruria ? Do you not think she is very much like me ?" This
question quite embarrassed me, and I was at a loss what to say, for
it is impossible to imagine a more ordinary woman than the Queen
of Etruria. I feared her Majesty was laying a snare for me; I never
could have conceived that maternal love was so blind. However,
there was something in the Queen's manner which convinced me of
her sincerity, and I answered that the Queen of Etruria was remarka-
bly like her Majesty. "Oh!" resumed the Queen, "she is not to be
compared to my Carlotta at Lisbon — she presents a strong resem-
blance both to her father and me; observe her well when you see
her. She is like her father in the upper part of the face, and like me
in the lower parts."

* When one of his sons was on Ids death-bed, 1 e went out daily to hnnt
with as much indifference as though the child had been perfectly well. " Wbal
tan I do for hi n ?" was all the sympathy he expressed.

THE MULES OF POITOU. 85

It was curious enough that all this was perfectly true, and yet the
Princess was very ugly, and the Queen of Spain possessed the remains
of beauty. She certainly could not be called very handsome at the
time when I saw her (1804-5). She had then lost her teeth, and the
artificial set which replaced them was no very good specimen of the
dentist's skill. As to the King, he nodded assent to all that Luisa
said, and looked at me with an air of good nature. However, he did
not seem to be quite pleased at being excluded from the conversation,
and when he could find an opportunity of getting in a word, he asked
me what I had thought of the coches de colleras. He said I must have
been much astonished at seeing them drawn by mules, and added
that, of course, I had never seen such animals before. At this remark
I could not really refrain from laughing, for I was then a lively, giddy
young woman ; but, speedily recovering my gravity, I informed his
Majesty that all his finest mules were brought from one of our French
provinces, namely, from Poitou. I shall never forget the expression
of stupid astonishment that was depicted in the King's countenance,
on hearing this. He stared at me, and looked as incredulous as if I
had told him that Peru was in Madrid. " Did you know that,
Luisa?" said he, turning to the Queen. Her Majesty, by a nod,
answered in the affirmative. Then, after a pause and looking earnestly
at me, she said, addressing the King, " Is not Madame Junot very
much like a Spanish lady : she has the complexion, the eyes, and the
hair of a Spaniard1?" — "Yes, yes," said the King, rubbing his hands
and smiling, " La Senora es Espanola" — "And yet," resumed the
Q 'aen, addressing me, " you are a native of France, are you not?
Yuu were not born in Greece? My daughter-in-law, to whom I was
speaking about you yesterday, tells me that she saw in Naples an
individual of your name, a Prince Comnenus. Is he your father, or
your brother?" — " He is my uncle, Madam," I replied, and explained
to lur that my name was not Comnenus. and that I was connected
with that family only on my mother's side.

I then took leave of the King and Queen after this very long
audience. The first interview with the King and Queen of Spain left
an impression on my memory which time can never efface. \i a
period not far distant, J had an opportunity of evincing my grateful
recollection of the marks of kindness their Majesties were pleased to
confer on me. This was at the time when they were bo cruelly oon«
fined at Marseilles, by the order of the Emperor. My brother was

still in that town, and was dictated by the generosity Of his character,

to alleviate the sufferings of these noble fugitives.

86 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER IX.

Die Prince of the Peace — ITis familiar manners in the presence of the King aci
Qaeen — Married to a Bourbon Princess — Hated by his wife — His connec-
tion with Madame Tudo — Anecdote of Mayo, a rival favourite — The Queen's
talent for conversation — The King's feeble attempts at music — Princess of
the Asturias — Recollections of Aranjuez — Court Promenade — Remarkable
picture at Madrid — Rencontre with Tallien — Junot's opinion of Godoy.

There is one particular which I passed over in silence, when descri
bing my royal presentation ; but which is nevertheless worthy of
notice. On entering the audience chamber, I had scarcely room to
move, as the King and Queen were both standing very near the door.
The room appeared to be about twenty-five feet by eighteen. This
wps a moderate size, and enabled me to see very well every object
that was in it ; and however indecorous it might be to look over the
shoulder of the Queen, the singular spectacle which presented itself to
my eyes might well apologize for my neglect of etiquette. I beheld
a man at the other end of the apartment, whose attitude, and bearing
appeared to me particularly ill suited to the audience chamber of
royalty. This man appeared to be thirty-four or thirty-five years of
age, his countenance was of that description which a fine well-grown
hearty young man usually presents ; but there wras no trace of dignity
in his appearance. The individual whom I am now describing, was
covered with decorations of all sorts. He wore the first order of
Spain, that of the Golden Fleece, together with that of St. January,
the order of Charles III., of St. Ferdinand, of Malta, and of Christ. I
might, therefore, reasonably suppose that this man was an important
personage, and I was not wrong; he was the Prince of the Peace. I
was struck with surprise at his free and easy manner. He was lean-
ing, or rather lying upon a console, at the further end of the apart-
ment, and was playing with a curtain tassel which wras within his
reach.

At the time to which I allude, his favour at the court was im-
mense, and beyond all example, even in a country where for many
reigns past Monarchs have possessed no other privilege than that of
seating themselves on a throne, whose power they place in the hand&
of a privado. B it the Prince of the Peace enjoyed the favour of both

THE PRINCE OF THE PEACE. 87

King and Queen, and when Manuelito was not with Charles IV. he
was sent for ; for the King could ill brook his absence. He at this
time had the title of Prince, which no nobleman of Spanish origin had
yet borne, without having a precise claim to it. He was prime
minister, counsellor of state, commander of four companies of life
guards, generalissimo of the forces by sea and land, a rank which no
person had ever possessed in Spain before him. and which was created
expressly to give him precedence over the captains-general. This
astonishing favour had its source in the cause to which I have already
alluded. I should add, that he had lately married a Princess of the
house of Bourbon, the daughter of the Infant Don Louis, and sister
of the archbishop of Toledo. About this marriage I heard strange
stories when I first passed some weeks at Madrid. Both parties de-
tested each other ; but nothing could equal the hatred which the
Princess of the Peace entertained for the individual whom she refused
to acknowledge as her husband.

" You would have a bad reception from ner," said Beurnonville,
to Junot, " if she should imagine that you are on good terms with the
Prince." The Prince of the Peace, however, said to Junot before he
was presented to the Princess: "She will make you amends for the
grim faces which you and Madame Junot will be obliged to encounter
here. When you see her, you will at least have a kind reception,
and see a pleasant countenance." I should mention that the grim
faces to which he alluded, were those of the Prince and Princess of
the Anurias. The Princess of the Peace hated her husband to such
a degree, that one day at Madrid, after the terrible transactions of
Aranjuez, being in company with my friend General Joseph Lagrange,
and speaking to him of the treatmenl sin- had received from the
Prince of the Peace on account of that Ttido, she added, pointing to
her little daughter, who at that momenl ran into the room, " In fact,
I hate him so much, that I do not like that chili], because she is his."'
Certainly it would be difficult t<> find anv malice and badness of heart
to equal this. Tin- Prince of the Peace may not have behaved as he
ought to a wife whom his Sovereign had given him, by way of a
reward and as a pledge of their favour, inn the above remark of the.

Princess seems to exonerate him. It was then very generally

reported in Madrid, that lie had been married to Madame Tudo,

whom I saw at a distance one evening in the theatre, and who

appeared to me a very pretty woman. She had an hotel, in which

she resided with a numerous family, who was said to belong to the
Prince of the Peace. I may add, thai I for ;i long time believed,
with many other persons, that the Prince of the Peace was married

88 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

to Madame Tudo previous to his union with the Princess of Bourbon,
and thai ambition ha 1 induced him to commit the crime of bigamy.
A lady, on whose veracity I can rely, assured me that she was
present at the marriage of the Prince of the Peace at Rome with
Madame Tudo. His marriage with the Princess was> therefore, legal,
in spite of all she alleged to the contrary.

I may here relate an anecdote which was at the time told at
Madrid, and which may form an additional subject for reflection,
relative to the astonishing favour enjoyed by Don Manuel Godoy.
lie had loved the Queen, or rather he had been beloved by her.
! adu| >t this version in preference to the other, for he was young and
handsome, and she, to speak with all the respect due to a crowned
head, was old and ugly; but his situation was a good deal like that
of Potemkin :* but Maria Luisa was not quite so bad as Catherine,
for she did not cause her husbands to be strangled. The Prince of
the Peace who had, I presume, taken Potemkin for his model, wished
to imitate him in everything, and when the passion for himself was
somewhat chilled he thought proper to direct the choice of new
favourites. He was much offended at the introduction of a young
man who had been in the guards, named Mayo. Mayo was hand-
some, and might become a formidable rival to .him. The Prince was
indignant; but the young man was in possession, and it was not
easy to eject him. However, Godoy avenged himself by directing
against him, as well as the Queen, all the epigrams which he could
invent.

One day, when he was on a balcony looking into the court-yard at
La Granja (San Ildefonso) with the King and Queen, a carriage drove
up drawn by four horses, with servants and out-riders in splendid
liveries; in short, the equipage was fit for a prince. " Heyday," said
the King, "whom have we here? — why it is Mayo," and with great
astonishment the Monarch alternately looked at Luisa and the Pri-
vado. " I have observed for some time," added he, '• that Mayo lives
in great style. The other day I saw him on the Prado with an
equipage more splendid than yours, Manuelito .... What does
this mean V — " Oh, nothing extraordinary," replied the Prince, casting
a glance at the Queen, who, firm as she was, trembled lest Manuel

* The favour in which the Pr'nce of the Peace was held, seems extremely
similar to that of Potemkin. Catherine dreaded the latter, when she no longer
loved him. I learned from an authentic source that the Queen of Spain stood
in fear of the Prince of the Peace in a remarkable degree. Nevertheless, she
died of fatigue in attending Godov, during a long and violent illness he had,
while they we'-e at Rome.

THE PRINCESS OF THE ASTURIAS. 89

Godoy should be jealous ; but he was no such fool, he had more
sense. — "The thing is easily explained," said he to the King, "a
foolish old woman is smitten with him, and gives him as much
money as he wants." — " Indeed !" said the King, " and who is this
old woman ; is it the Marchioness of Santiago ?" — The Prince thought
this was sufficient punishment, and changed the conversation. This
was not a difficult matter with poor Charles IV. It was only
necessary to say that a dog was running past, and the thing was
accomplished.

The Queen possessed considerable talent in conversation. She
was remarkably animated, she loved to talk, and she appeared to
advantage when doing so, a thing very rare amongst royal personages.
She was besides a good musician, and was very fond of music. As
to the King he had also a passion for it, but a very unfortunate one.
Every day on returning from hunting he had a concert in his private
apartment. The King took his violin, and bore a part in a quartette of
Haydn, or a quintette of Boccherini. The reader may judge what some
of our most famous violinists, who were then in Spain and were required
to play with the King, must have suffered. Libon, whose enchanting
talent is well known, passed some time at Madrid, and like others, was
of the royal party. One of these poor martyrs informed me that one
evening a terrible confusion arose in a tutti passage. It was not the
fin It i>f the professors, and after a little consultation, Olivieri, whom I
often heard at Lisbon, where he was first violin at the Grand Opera,
ventured to tell the King that the fault was his. His Majesty had
hurried on without waiting during three bars' rest which occurred in his
part. The good-natured Monarch appeared quite thunderstruck. He
gazed at Olivieri with amazement, and then laying down his bow, he said
majestically in Italian, u Irei iCaspetta.no nuti." I had a strong desire
to see the Princess of the Asturias. I was told that, three o'clock
would be the most convenient hour to be presented to her: the
Princess being fond of occupation, did not: waste her time in sleep, like
the inmates of Aranjuez. I had reasons for wishing to be introduced
to a Princess whom 1 may say I had long known, though 1 had never
seen her. Her misfortunes interested me; her fame belonged to
Europe. One naturally thinks so much of a Princess who is superior

to other females; and this lady was really a superior person.

A mother-in-law has not, a mother's heart. A mother is proud of

the merit of a daughter; a mother-in-law is jealous of it. The Queen
of Naples, though certainly an ill-tempered woman, cherished an affec-
tion for her learned, yet unaffected daughter; but the Queen of Spain

contracted her black eyebrows, and from the first da\ she s.".\v her,

90 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

conceived an antipathy which was soon converted into hatred of hoi
charming daughter in law, who in the court circle spoke to each ambas-
sador in the language of his nation! Alas! the hatred produced by
the envy of a woman has something horrible in its results. The
Princess of the Asturias, at the period when I was presented to her
for the first time, was still what might be called a young bride. She
had been brought to Spain to marry the Prince of the Asturias (since
Ferdinand VII.), and her brother, who escorted her, took back with
him as his bride, the Infanta Donna Maria. But neither of the two
Princesses wore the crowns which seemed to be in reserve for them.*

It would seem that crowned heads, owing to the exalted station in
which they are placed, become only a surer mark for death and mis-
fortune. What a fate awaited the Princess of the Asturias ! The
Prince of the Peace, whether he had or had not reason to be offended
with the Prince or Princess of the Asturias, certainly treated them in
a way which the heir to the throne could not endure without the desire
of vengeance. It is true that kings are but men ; but admitting this,
it is also necessary to concede another point, namely, that if they are
men, they must also have the passions of men ; and the spirit of revenge
may invade the soul of a monarch as well as of the lowest of his sub-
jects. However odious Ferdinand may subsequently have proved
himself, it is certain that in 1805 he sought only justice. He desired
that the heir to the throne should be respected, that his wife should
possess a happy, or at least a peaceable home, and finally that they
should not be insulted by Manuel Godoy. I repeat that he desired
only justice. He loved the Princess ardently, and she returned his
affection fully and unreservedly : in fact, the attachment of this unfor-
tunate pair was the only consolation they experienced in a life full of
continually renewed grief and trouble. All that I had heard of their
private history made me experience a lively emotion when I was about
to be presented to them.

On entering the chamber, I found the Princess standing, and
leaning on a table, though there was a sofa behind her. The Prince,
who was in the adjoining room, came in instantly, and leant his hand
upon the same table with his wife. I always observed that when they
were together, the Prince watched the eyes of the Princess as if he

* When Ferdinand VII. was Xapoleon's prisoner in France, he on his kneea
Bought a wife from the Emperor. "I beseech your Majesty to give me one of
your nieces," said he. — " But they will not have you. "— " Then let me have one
of the relations of her Majesty, the Empress." — "They will not have yea
either." — "Then give me," said Ferdinand, "any wife you please, — so that 1
receive her from your hand."

THE PRINCESS OF THE PEACE. 91

expected her to indicate what he was to do. The Princess was not
very tall, yet her figure was dignified and graceful, which probably
was owing to the manner in which she carried her head. Her eyes
were of a beautiful blue; her fair hair seemed to denote a northern
origin, and her appearance altogether presented nothing of the Italia-
She had the Austrian lip and the Bourbon nose ; but the latter was
only slightly aquiline, and not approximating to her chin like thai of
her father-in-law ; she had a fresh Culour and a plumpness which
indicated exuberant health. Her arms and her hands were not
beautiful, neither were her feet, which, considering her size, ought to
have been small. But upon the whole, she was exceedingly agreeable,
and perfectly the Princess.*

Her air was majestic, and at first sight she appeared rather austere,
but when she smiled her countenance beamed with kindness. There
was poetry in her expressive features, and though she was usually
silent and reserved, yet her countenance had a speaking look. She
treated me with a degree of kindness of which I shall always retain a
grateful recollection. Alas ! a year had scarce passed away when the
Princess, whom I saw so full of health and bloom, was only a living
corpse, calling hourly upon death to deliver her from her sufferings.
The day when I first saw her she was dressed in white. Her gown,
which was made in the most simple manner, was one of those pretty
sprigged English muslins, which were then worn, and was trimmed
only with violet and white ribbon. Her beautiful and profuse fair
hair was simply, but carefully dressed. Her comb was studded with
large and magnificent pearls, intermingled with diamonds. This rich
simplicity struck me the more forcibly, because I had just seen in I he.
apartment above, all the luxury of dress lavished on an old woman.
The Queen's yellow slip appeared dirty, and the rol>e of English point,,
though worth 20,000 francs, seemed in bad taste, compared with the
dress of pure white, worn by the young and blooming Princess. I
departed from the audience quite enehanWl. The Princess had a
winning manner, which I have never seen in any other person but
herself, except Napoleon. She was not pretty ; many persons indeed
maintained that she was even ugly. It may be so, I care little about
it. She appeared to me pretty and amiable. I found her such
because she wished to be so.

Having made my great, visits, I returned to Maria Luisa's
camerara-mayor, according to etiquette, a matter which at this period

•In the Duchess of Orleans, now Queen of the lY<'ii<-li, F cun perceive no
trace of resemblance to her Bister, the Prii bs <>( the aaturias.

P2 NAPOLEON, HIS COUKT AND FAMILY.

one could not venture to neglect. The eamerara-may< t was aliltle
old dame, very thin, dark, and " ugly as a devil," as I heard a lady of
the court observe, who by-the-by was nevertheless a very pious person.
The eamerara laughed again at the recollection of the white gloves,
and seizing my hands, she looked at them and repeated, " Jesus !
Jesus ! how pretty they are/"

Many years have passed away since I saw Aranjuez; but time has
only augmented the charm attached to my recollection of that delight-
ful place ; for in all my travels I have never seen a spot which can
form a fair comparison with it. It is not like any thing in Switzer-
land, in France, in Algarve, or Italy, lu fact, it is like nothing else.
—It is Aranjuez — an enchanted paradise ! Where else shall we find
those charming fountains furnished by two rivers whose waters enclosed
an island hi which the sun ripens the rarest fruits of every climate and
of every country. Never before did 1 see so fresh, so green, and so
beautiful a vegetation. So much pomp, so much magnificence in the
most barren and most unfavoured spot in nature. Nothing can exceed
the fine effect of the island. I do not think the hand of man could add
any thing to it without spoiling it. La Calle de la Reyna is a magni-
ficent alley, formed by elms said to be five hundred years old. It is
in length more than half a Spanish league, and forms one of the
grandest ornaments of Aranjuez. There I have met the Queen and
royal family of an evening. The Princesses were accustomed to take
the air each in her own carriage, never together : they drove very
slowly from one end of the alley to the other several times; and when-
ever they met they saluted each other with a politeness which might
be strictly ceremonial, but was any thing but affectionate. The
women as well as the men who were promenading in the alley, stopped
as soon as the Princesses came near them. The ladies saluted them
respectfully, and the men immediately dropped their capa, which the
moment before they had draped in a thousand elegant folds. The
Queen and Princesses, when they passed in front of a lady who was
a favourite, and who, by her rank of grandee of Spain, might receive
a public testimony of royal condescension, the Princess who wished
to bestow it made a friendly sign to her with the hand or the fan, as
if to invite her to approach. This mark of favour was thought a great
deal of. When the Queen passed before the place where I had
stopped, she smiled, inclined her head in a very gracious manner, and
accompanied the motion with a salute of the hand. Thus, the favour
shown to me was complete. When the Infants, the King's brothers,
returned from their wretched hunting matches, they used by way of

MADRID AND ITS CURIOSITIES. 93

relaxation to accompany the Princesses in this promenade on horse-
back.

We returned to Madrid. The moment for our departure for
Lisbon approached, and we had several things to arrange which \vc re,
for Junot in particular, of the greatest importance. I ran about
Madrid, and saw every thing remarkable in it. It is certainly wrong
to deny that this city is one of the finest in Europe, and contains more
curiosities of all kinds than many northern towns of much celebrity,
which really, as the Spanish proverb says, ought to be silent before
the capital of Castille.*

Just before I left Madrid, I met with a singular adventure at the
ambassador's. I dined every day at General Beurnonville's when not
engaged elsewhere, and was as much at home there as I should have
been in my own family. One day I came rather late, just as the com-

* At Madrid I saw among other rarities a portrait of the Princess of Eboli,
the beautiful and clever mistress of Philip II. She is represented seated under
an awning attached to the branches of some trees, and is engaged at her toilet,
while a number of Cupids are busily employed in arranging her hunting costume.
This intriguing woman was exquisitely beautiful. There is besides another por-
trait of her, which includes that of the unfortunate Don Carlos. It represents
the entry of Queen Elizabeth of France into Valladolid, where she was destined
to find a throne and a tomb. Don Carlos is on horseback, as is also the Queen,
for ill that manner the Queens of Spain were wont to enter their dominions. The
Prince is dressed in a slashed doublet entirely covered with precious stones,
with a hat turned up at the side and overhung with white feathers. He appears
pale, but very handsome; his hair is light, with fine blue eyes. The Queen is
represented in a blue satin robe, with a boddice of velvet and gold brocade
rising to her throat, and fastened with large ruby buttons. The sleeves are nar-
row, with large epaulettes, and hang down as far as the waist. A very large
farthingale, or hoop, which must have been exceedingly inconvenient for riding
supports the blu^ ratio petticoat. She wears a very high and stiff ruff, which
forme a sort of frame-work round her pretty face. Upon her head is a
small black velvet hat with a rim not an inch broad, the crown of which fitted
exactly to the head. It is adorned with a cordon of large diamonds, and a small
plume of white feathers on the leftside, fixed with an aigrette ( f jewels. Upon
her boddice are to be seen a number of pearl chains of immense si/.e, and of
precious stones, the value of which must, have been enormous. One thing par-
ticularly struck me, viz., the handkerchief which she holds in her hand along
with the bridle of her horse. This handkerchief is entirely covered with em-
broidery, just such a one as would now l,e used by a modern ilipante, except
that it has a little gold intermixed with the embroidery. At. a balcony is seated
King Philip II. with sinister expression, his re. I hair already turning gray, hia
long and pale face old, wrinkled, and Ugly. He is attire. 1 in a black velvet

dress, with the collar of the Golden Fleece, and leemsto be e veins with an ovil

and malignant glance the unfortunate victims who are (passing beneath him
This picture, of which I know not the painter, is excellent)

94 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

pany were entering the dining-room. General Beurnonville offered
me his arm. and I had scarcely time to speak to his lady before we
were seated at table. Next me sat a gentleman of a most sinister and
repulsive countenance, who uttered not a word. lie was tall, dark,
and of a bilious complexion. His look was sombre, and he appeared
to me to have but one eye. However, I sobn perceived that it was
the effect of a cataract, which did not deprive him of sight. As he
was so singularly taciturn, nobody spoke much to him. This sur-
prised me the more, because the ambassador's lady was very atten-
tive to him. When the second course had begun, I could no longer
restrain my curiosity ; and though conscious of the rudeness of the
question, I asked General Beurnonville in a whisper who my silent
neighbour was.

'• What!" he replied, with an a±r of surprise, "do you not know
him V — " I never saw him." — " Impossible !" — " I declare that such
is the fact." — " But you have often heard his name, particularly when
you were a child." — " You excite my curiosity more powerfully than
even his extraordinary appearance has done. Who is he then?" — ■
" Shall I send you some spinach, Tallien ?" said a well-known voice.
It was that of Junot, who sat opposite to me, and was much amused
at my curiosity, the cause of which he had guessed. Junot had known
him in Egypt, without however being intimate with him ; for the
General-in-chief was not very friendly to those who had any connec-
tion with Tallien. This name, however, pronounced in a manner so
unexpected, made a singular impression on me. . . . My childhood, to
which General Beurnonville had alluded, had been surrounded with
dangers, and my young imagination had been fed with the most
horrible recitals, connected in a particular manner with the name and
person of Tallien. I could not help starting, which he must have per-
ceived, for when I looked at him again, his odious countenance was
dark as Erebus. The wretch ! how did he drag on his loathsome
existence1? I ask?d General Beurnonville the question, and also how
it happened that one of our Decemvirs was in a kingdom governed
by a Bourbon.

" I am as much surprised as you," the General replied, " and the
more so, because the Emperor dislikes Tallien, and has always testi-
fied that dislike in not the most gracious manner. This is so true
that, when in Egypt, Junot must have perceived that General Bona-
parte was very severe towards his officers who were intimate with
Tallien. Lanusse and his brother* were never welcome at head-

* The brothers Lanusee were intimate friends of Tallien. The elder was
killed in Egypt, in the affair in which Abercrombie fell. He was a brave and

DEPARTURE FOR LISBON. 95

quarters on this account. After dinner Junot introduced Tallien to
me as one of his fellow-travellers in Egypt. He seemed to have fur-
gotten my emotion at dinner on hearing his name. He informed us
that he was appointed Consul, I believe, at Malaga; or at some place
in Andalusia. The name of Tallien is famous in the blood-stained
page of our revolutionary annals. Without searching for the motives
which made him act, there is no doubt that, for the part he took in
the affair of the 9th Thermidor, he deserves notice in our history.

Junot had, according to his orders, several interviews with the
Prince of the Peace, and he was well satisfied. Much ill has been
said of the Prince of the Peace, and very little good. During my
second residence in Madrid the most serious and sinister reports were
circulated respecting him. I had then leisure to consider his character,
and the impression he made upon me was very unfavourable; but it is
my duty, as an historian, to state that my husband entertained a very
different opinion, and that his opinion has since much influenced mine.
My brother, who saw him long afterwards during his exile at Marseilles
in 1808, also used to relate some very favourable traits of him. He
and Junot used to reproach me for my injustice towards Godoy, and
the result of our discussions was to make me express my regret that
the Prince of the Peace had not well employed all the statesman-like
faculties with which heaven had endowed him.

CHAPTER X.

Alliance between Spain and France — Honours paid to us on our journey from
Madrid — Talavera de la Reyiia — News of the Emperor's acceptance of the
Crown of Italy — Truxillo — Unexpected meeting with Jerome Bonaparte —
Account of his marriage with Miss Patterson — Portrait <«f his wife — Conver-
sation between Jerome and Junot — Arrival at Badajoz — Entrance into Por
tugal — Contrast of the two nations — Approach to Lisbon — We take up our
residence at Aldea Galcga — Our state visit to Lisbon — Absurd ceremony of
the collation — Description of the city — Our reception by the Portuguese
nobility.

We left Madrid for Lisbon on the 29th of March, 180.~>. after having
obtained full assurance that Spain was then the faithful ally of France.

worthy man. It was with him that Junot fought at Boulack, The otoier
brother returned to Europe, and under the restoration wo have Been him one

of the most, assiduous servants of Charles X.

96 NArOLEON, HIS COURT AND FA JULY.

Whether from motives of interest, or from real good faith, Spain gava
at this time pledges of a most sincere alliance with us. Her western
and southern ports were crowded with vessels ready to put to sea
under our flag. The Saatisima Trinidada, of a hundred and thirty
guns, awaited our orders — that was the phrase — in the port of Cadiz.
The King of Spain ordered that we should everywhere be received
with the honours which are paid to a French ambassador at the court
of Madrid. This is not a trifling matter of compliment; for the
Spanish government, though much devoted to France, displayed never-
theless a sort of solemn dignity, a pride, which made every act of
ceremonial politeness exceeding the usual practice, improper, if be»
stowed on a foreign official authority. At Talavera de la Reyna, we
learned by a courier that the Emperor had repaired in great pomp to
the Senate on the 18th March, to accept the crown of Italy, in conse-
quence of an offer made to that effect by the Cisalpine republic*
Talavera de la Reyna is a pretty little town, built on the bank of the
Tagus. In the morning we were treated with a concert by a band of
the Queen's dragoons. There was a number of fine cavalry in the
garrison. Junot, who lost no opportunity of complimenting the
Prince of the Peace, told me that he was particularly attentive to the
cavalry, and that it was owing to him that that description of force
was in such good condition. To tell the truth, it was very different
from the infantry, for foot soldiers were often to be met begging, and
even some of their officers would have had no objection to receive alms.
On arriving at Truxillo we were received by the commandant, the
corregidor, and all the public functionaries ; they showed us great
attention, for which we were the more grateful, as we were only what
are called transeuutes\ in Spain, without any prerogative to lay claim
to the hospitality which was so readily offered to us. Junot, who had
so good an opinion of the Prince of the Peace, insisted that he had
ordered these marks of attention out of compliment to France. Trux-
illo is a wretched, though a large town. It is almost deserted, which
indeed is the case with a great portion of the Spanish towns.

We were about two days' journey beyond Truxillo, when one
morning Junot approached the door of my carriage, and sur-

* The speech of Napoleon on this occasion is a proof of his occasional want
of sincerity: he was at this time strong enough to make known his intentions:
why did lie «av, "We shall at all times be guided by moderation, and not seek
to increase the power attached to our crown." The Emperor quitted Paris
almost immediately afterwards, for Milan, where he was crowned King of
Ldmbardy.

f Passengers.

JEROME BONAPARTE. 97

prised me by announcing that he had just met Jerome Bonaparte.*
Jerome was one of those young men, who do neither good nor
harm in this world. He had been somewhat gay, but that was nothing
to me, and I inherited from my mother a friendship towards him.
which even his after conduct, however unfriendly, has not totally
banished. I was therefore exceedingly happy to meet him, and the
more so as I had an impression he was unhappy — unhappy through a
youthful attachment. I was then very young, and rather romantic.
J mot was equally pleased at the meeting, though he knew but little
of Jerome; he had seen less of him than of any other member of the
family. Jerome was but a boy when Junot formed almost a part of
the Bonaparte family circle at Marseilles and Toulon ; and my hus-
band did not return from Egypt, nor escape from his imprisonment
by the English, until the end of 1800. Jerome set out on his naval
career soon after the army returned from Marengo; Junot conse-
quently knew him only as a mere boy. We invited him to breakfast
with us, and he accepted our invitation. I could not help remarking
a wonderful alteration in his maimers. He was sedate, nay almost
serious. His countenance, which used to have a gay and lively ex-
pression, had assumed a character of pensive melancholy, which so
transformed his whole appearance, that I should hardly have recog-
nised him. He spoke in glowing terms of the United States, of the
customs and manners of the Americans. During the short time we
sat at breakfast I formed a very favourable opinion of him.

We walked with Jerome in the garden of the possada ; and before
parting, Junot, who conceived he might use freedom with him from
the circumstance of my having known him when a boy, endeavoured

* Jerome had married Miss Patterson, the daughter of a banker in Baltimore ;
the lady was very handsome as well as rich. Napoleon, who was as then only
Consul, could not be considered as having any control over the members of his
family. Joseph Bonaparte and Madame Lsetitia were in fact the only persona
whose consent or disapproval on any such subject were necessary ; and they
had both concurred in approving the step. Napoleon's anger on hearing of the
marriage was extreme, and at the time here alluded to, he manifested his dis-
pleasure in a manner not very fraternal. lie had issued orders throughout
Holland, Spain, and Portugal, prohibiting the reception of Madame Jerome
Bonaparte, or any person assuming that name. The unfortunate lady, who was
then pregnant, had successively endeavoured to land in Holland, Belgium,
Italy, Spain, and lastly in Portugal, where M. Serrurier, (the brother of the
marshal,) who was then our consul-general at Lisbon, was obliged t<> forbid her
Landing. Jerome, in despair, conveyed his wife to England; and as the prohi-
bition of landing in I'Yain'c, did not extend to himself, he determined to see nil
brothel', and to endeavour to mitigate his displeasure. He was on his way to
franco when we met him.
40

98 NAPOLFON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

to dissuade him from resisting the Emperor's wishes. But Jeroma
answered him with noble firmness, that he considered himself bound
by honour, and that having obtained the consent of his mother and
elder brother, lie did not feel himself so very blameable for taking
the step he had. "My brother will hear me," said he, "he is kind,
he is just. Even admitting that I have committed a fault in marry-
ing Miss Patterson without his consent, is this the moment for
inflicting punishment? And upon whose head will that punishment
light? Upon that of my poor, innocent wife! No, no, surely my
brother will not thus outrage the feelings of one of the most respect-
able families of the United States ; and inflict at the same time a
mortal wound upon a creature who is as amiable as she is beautiful."
He then showed us a fine miniature of Madame Jerome Bonaparte.
The features were exquisitely beautiful, and a circumstance which
immediately struck me as well as Junot, was the resemblance they
bore to those of the- Princess Borghese. I remarked this to Jerome,
who informed me that I was not the only person who had made the
observation ; that, in fact, he himself, and many Frenchmen who had
been at Baltimore, had remarked the resemblance. I thought I could
perceive in the face of Madame Jerome Bonaparte more animation
than in the Princess Borghese. I whispered this to Junot, but he
would by no means admit it : he had not got the better of his old
impressions.

" Judge then," resumed Jerome, replacing the charming portrait
in his bosom, "judge whether I can abandon a being like her;
especially when I assure you that to a person so exquisitely beautiful
is united every quality that can render a woman amiable. I only
wish my brother would consent to see her — to hear her voice but
for one single moment. I am convinced that her triumph would be
as complete as that of the amiable Christine, whom the Emperor at
first repulsed, but at length liked as well as his other sisters-in-law.
For myself 1 am resolved not to yield the point. Strong in the
justice of my cause, I will do nothing which hereafter my conscience
may make me repent." To this Junot made no reply. He had set
out with an endeavour to prevail on Jerome to conform to the
Emperor's will ; but in the course of conversation, having learned
the particulars of the case and feeling interested for the young
couple, he began to think, as he afterwards confessed to me, that
he should be doing wrong in exhorting Jerome to a line of conduct
which in fact would be highly dishonourable. At the expiration of
I A'o hours we took leave of Jerome and continued our journey.

At length we arrived at Badajoz, a frontier town of Spain on tiw

ARRIVAL AT LISBON. 99

side of Portugal. It is a fine city, with straight and well-paved
streets — a circumstance very rare in this part of Spain. This was
the birth-place of the Prince of the Peace. Though the garrison was
a fine one, yet the Spanish soldiers do not like to form part of it ;
and they consider it a soit of banishment to be sent to Badajoz.
The commandant ordered a salute to be fired when we entered the
town, in pursuance of orders he had received. Descending the
gentle declivity at the foot of the ramparts, we came in sight of
Elvas, a strong garrison on the Portuguese frontier, and situated only
a league from Badajoz. Both towns are built upon eminences. A
river, or rather a brook, called the Cayo, is the boundary of the two
kingdoms.* We crossed it without the least difficulty, as it was then
almost dry. We entered Elvas under a salute of the artillery,
while the fortress of Badajoz courteously answered the compliment.

It was on Holy Thursday, at four in the afternoon, I arrived
before Lisbon. I was filled with admiration, and in spite of the
thousand panegyrics which I had heard pronounced on the Portuguese
capital, I confess I was surprised as well as charmed at the sight of
the splendid picture before me. I should imagine that no city in
Europe presents such a coup-iToeil as Lisbon, on approaching it from
Spain. The vast plain of water formed by the Tag us (which in some
places is a league and a half wide) is bounded on the opposite bank
by an immense city built on an amphitheatre of hills ; while the port
filled with a countless multitude of vessels presented a forest of
masts, bearing the colours of a hundred different nations, for at the
period here alluded to (1805) Portugal was at peace with the world.
Our banker at Lisbon was a French merchant, who was introduced
to us when we alighted from our coche de colleras, by M. Serrurier, at
that time French Consul at Lisbon. As we were required to stay a
few days at Aldea Galega, in compliance with an absurd rule of

* On entering Portugal from Spain, the traveller is forcibly struck with the
difl'crenee between the two countries. The dark eyes, the black hair, and brown
complexion, are the only traits of resemblance between the Portuguese and
Spaniards. The Portuguese have thick lips, noses something of the Negro
form, black and often curly hair; and their figures, and above all their ban dp,
show signs of the mixed blood. In Spain, the people) in spite of their dark
complexion and eye-;, have at Least a European Look. <m entering Portugal,
the traveller is, however, agreeably surprised by finding himself among a more
cultivated people. He leaves those vast heaths and meadows which are laid
waste by the mesta, and enters a country covered with rustic but well-built
habitations; and as the peasantry carefully plaster their houses every spring,
thev are always of a dazzling white. The Portuguese are more attentive thuu
the Spaniards to ali that regards personal appearance.

(00 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Portuguese etiquette, our banker had provided for our reception a
delightful country house, which speedily enabled me to forget all the
horrors of Spanish and Portuguese inns. M. Serrurier dined with
us, and immediately after set off to announce to the minister foi
foreign affairs the arrival of the ambassador from the Emperor
Napoleon, and to request that the requisite orders might be issued
for his reception, which M. d'Araujo immediately did. This, as 1
have already mentioned, was on Holy. Thursday. It was night when
M. Serrurier returned, and he informed Junot that the reception
could not take place till the following day. We passed the evening
very agreeably in our little country-house at Aldea Galega. Next
morning after breakfast, we walked on the banks of the Tagus, await
ing the arrival of the Queen's escaleres* M. d'Araujo sent a long
note to explain that it was impossible to fire a salute from the tower
of Belem, in honour of the ambassador's arrival, because it was Good
Friday. The three holy days cannot be profaned by any signal of
rejoicing. The Queen, and the Prince and Princess of Brazil do not
receive any such demonstration of respect when they pass Belem on
one of those days. Having made the necessary inquiries to ascertain
that the omission of the salute was not suggested by English influence,
Junot returned for answer, that the Emperor, his master, would
regard this respect shown to the King of kings, as a practice which he
himself would have been the first to order.

Spain was at this time the prey of a terrible scourge : the yellow
fever had decimated the fair province of Andalusia. Cadiz, which
had lost a vast proportion of its population, seemed to be almost
arrayed in general mourning. Malaga, Mercia, and all that portion
of the coast of the Peninsula had suffered frightful ravages. To the
alarm naturally inspired by this pestilence, we were indebted for a
visit from the officers of health, a ceremony which is not usually ob-
served except towards persons arriving by sea. Our examination
being ended, we again proceeded to the bank of the river, and there
we found the Queen's escaleres in readiness to receive us. I was
struck with the neat appearance of the rowers. They were twenty-
five in number, and were all dressed in white, with black velvet caps
ornamented in front with the arms of Portugal in silver.

I stepped on board the Prince Regent's f yacht, accompanied by
Junot, M. de Rayneval, first secretary to the embassy, MM. Lageard

* State barges.

f The Queen was living at this time ; but she was out of her mind, and her
son, the Prince of Brazil, was Regent. The Queen was never seen.

ABSURD CUSTOMS. 101

de Cherval, and Colonel Laborde, Junot's first aide-de-camp. My
little girl, her gouvernante, M. Legoy, and some other persons of the
suite, followed in another escaler, of which there were four, besides
the Queen's yacht. In this manner we crossed the great expanse of
water formed by the Tagus, between Aldea Galega and Lisbon. As
we advanced, the picture became muie and more interesting; new
beauties arose at every stroke of the boatmen's oars. I think we
were nearly two hours in going across : the men had received orders
to show us the city in different points of view. This piece of national
vanity I thought very pardonable. At length we landed between
Belem and the Quay of Sodres. Here we found the Count de Castro
Marino, a Portuguese grandee, who was deputed to receive Junot on
his landing, and who was also to introduce him to the Prince Regent.
They both stepped into one of the court carriages, drawn by six
horses, the ambassador sitting on the right of the Count de Castro
Marino. M. de Rayneval and M. de Laborde were then requested
to enter a third carriage, and in conformity with one of those strange
customs, which excited my astonishment, the second carriage remained
empty. M. Legoy, and the other gentlemen of the embassy followed.
As to me, I did not land until five minutes after Junot, etiquette hav-
ing so ordained it. I then took my seat in a court carriage and six,
accompanied by M. de Cherval, who. holding no specific post in the
embassy, could not form part of the grand cavalcade. My daughter
and her gouvernante occupied the second carriage, and the third was
filled by my female attendants. All the three carriages had six horses
each. We took a different road from the grand procession ; and pro-
ceeding along the banks of the Tagus, we reached our destination
before the ambassador and his introducer. This was exactly what I
wanted. I had laid a wager with Junot that before he got through
all his ceremonies with the Count, he would inevitably be guilty of
the indecorum of indulging in a laugh. I therefore was curious to
observe him after he should alight from the carriage.

One of the absurd ceremonies of the court of Portugal is, that on
the arrival of an ambassador, he must give, immediately on entering
hh hotel, a collation to the individual who is to introduce him at
court. This collation, as it, is styled, is nothing less than a great
dinner, since covers are laid for live and twenty. The ambassador
and his introducer sit down to (aide alone, line to face, and without
tasting a morsel, amuse themselves with folding and unfolding their
napkins for the space of five or six minutes, like two automatons.
This ludicrous custom is the more at variance with common sense,
inasmuch as when the ambassador arrives by sea, there can be no

L02 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

time for unpacking the plate and making the requisite arrangement*
for the observance of this etiquette. However, as there is no possi
bility of evading the ceremony, the ambassador borrows from some
friendly power whatever may be necessary for the collation. Thus
the Embassy of Spain enabled Junot to do the honours of his hotel,
as soon as he alighted from his carriage. Anticipating the drollery
of the collation scene, I had laid a wager with Junot that he would
never get through it with becoming gravity. I also had my misgiv-
ings about the Count de Castro Marino. Before he presented himself,
I expected to see one of the thorough bred fidalgos of the old school,
Harrying in his hand a gold-headed cane, and coughing from the very
bottom of his lungs at every word he uttered. But I was agreeably
surprised at finding him cjuite a young man, ugly enough in all con-
science, and in all probability not very reluctant to join in a laugh.
My conclusion was reasonable enough; but in Portugal things are
not always consistent with reason.

I stationed myself near a door which looked into the dining-room,
and where I could have a good view of what passed. Their excellen-
cies gravely ascended the grand staircase of the hotel, bowing to each
other at every door, and the Count de Castro Marino keeping on the
left of the ambassador with scrupulous care. In this manner they
ascended from one flight of stairs to the other, bowing and bowing
until they reached the reception-room. Here they each made a most
profound bow, and looking for all the world like two Chinese manda-
rins. After a little pause, the maitre-aV hotel entered to announce to
their ex -ellencies that the collation was served. Then the two poor
victims, tortured as they had already been by bowing, made each
three or four more bows, and at length adjourned to the dining-room.
Here I was waiting for them. To my astonishment I soon discovered
that the wretch of a Portuguese, far from being a victim, as I had
imagined, went through the ceremony with evident complacency. He
preserved his gravity so decorously, that Junot conceived himself
bound to return it with interest, and there they sat as if challenging
«.»ne another which would longest refrain from smiling. At length, at
the expiration of six minutes, which I counted precisely by the time-
piece, the Count de Castro Marino rose, and Junot followed his
example. They then resumed their bows, and having each made
about a dozen, the Portuguese grandee, who, by-the-by, was an ex-
tremely little man, took his leave, and set off in his large carriage,
which I may observe resembled one of the carriages of Louis XI V.'g
time, after the model of which it was actually built. Junot accom-
panied his guest down stairs with the same formalities as he had

LISBON AND ITS INHABITANTS. 103

observed on coming up, and having bowed the Count into his heavy,
rumbling machine, bade him farewell. Two or three long strides up
the stairs, brought him back to the drawing-room, where he found me,
mortified at having lost my wager, and not a little astonished to find
that a young man could go through the ceremony I have just des-
cribed, without even a smile. After a hearty laugh we sat down to
partake of the collation, which was excellent.

General Lannes had occupied at Lisbon a spacious and beautiful
house, situated at the Fountain de Loretto, near the opera-house and
in the vicinity of the Tagus. In this house, one of the best in the
Portuguese capital, we now installed ourselves. The bank is situ-
ated in the quarter of the Fountain de Loretto, which is, in conse-
quence, the busiest part of Lisbon. The window of a little drawing-
room which I usually occupied, looked into a small square, through
which thousands of people passed in the course of the day. The dress
of the inhabitants of Lisbon has in it nothing peculiar, like that of the
people of Madrid ; but it is much more gay. The uniformity of
dress, and especially the prevalence of black in Madrid, imparts to
that city an air of melancholy which did not displease me, though I
have heard it much condemned by travellers, particularly at the
period here alluded to. Since that time, French fashion has had its
influence on the Spanish customs, and now a female, whatever may be
her rank, may venture to walk out, in open day, in a shawl and hat,
while in 1805 she would have been insulted. At Lisbon, the females
of the lower rank walk about the streets alone ; but those of a superior
class, ride in what are called chairs. These chairs are a sort of
cabriolet drawn by two mules, one of which is ridden by a man who
is very shabbily dressed, if in the employment of a common person,
while his coat is trimmed with some wretched lace if he should bo
the servant of an individual having any pretension to nobility. These
little chairs are used in Lisbon by the noble and the wealthy, who
have them tolerably neat in appearance and drawn by two fine mules.
A groom rides beside the vehicle when it contains a lady of elevated
rank. Females of the higher class, however, usually drive in carriagos
drawn by four mules, with a groom riding on one side. I too was
obliged to conform to this latter ceremony, which [ found was indis
pensable. In Lisbon it is impossible to make sever il visits in a
carriage drawn by two mules, on account of the immense distance
between one part of the city ami another. The capital of Portugal,
which contained, at this time, nearly three hundred and forty thousand
inhabitants, exclusive of the military, was two leagues and a half long
while in width it did not exceed the limits of two or three streets,

104 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Lisbon, like Rome, is built on seven hills. The continual acclivi
ties and declivities of the roughly paved streets therefore render
driving very difficult, and this augmented by the heaps of rubbish
which are frequently encountered, the ruins of former earthquakes,
^ et scarcely any. except the very common people, go on foot in Lis-
bon. The women of the lower class, who are generally pretty, wear
a very becoming costume. It consists of a red cloak and hood bor-
dered with black velvet, while on their heads, instead of a cap, they
have a lawn handkerchief pinned on in the style which in France is
called en marmotte. This dress is exceedingly graceful, and even a
plain woman looks pretty in it, since no feature is seen but her eyes,
and the Spanish and Portuguese women universally have fine ones.
Indeed to take beautiful eyes to the Peninsula is so much beauty
thrown away.

After we had got a little settled in our new residence, Junot
requested that a day might be appointed for his presentation. M.
d'Araujo, whom we now met again with great pleasure, and who, as
I have already mentioned, was the Portuguese minister for foreign
affairs, informed Junot that he should be introduced as soon as the
Easter festivals and processions were over. The presentation took
place at Queluz. Junot had received from the Emperor, instructions
respecting the etiquette he was to observe himself, and to exact from
others. It was well known in Paris that the Prince Regent was the
absolute slave of England ; and that he almost trembled to receive
us. It is true that the most marked honours were constantly shown
to the French embassy ; and yet, when the Portuguese nobility came
to pay the usual complimentary visits, they behaved, by order of the
court, in a way wVich was calculated to offend, though perhaps it
would not have justified a demand for explanation. Some of them
oame dressed in mourning.

junot's presentation at court. 105

CHAPTER XT.

Junot'a presentation at Court — His superb Hussar uniform — The Prince of
Brazil copies his dress — My preparations for an audience — Embarrassment
of hoops — My presentation to the royal family — The Princess of Brazil — •
Her ugliness and absurd costume — Ladies of the Court — Lord and Lady
Robert Fitzgerald — Lord Strangford and Pellegrini the painter — The
Spanish Embassy — The Russian minister — M. Von Lebzeltern the Austrian
Ambassador, and his family — Count Villaverde and M. d'Anadia — Galeppi
the apostolic nuncio — Napoleon's opinion of him — The pope deceived by
Napoleon.

On our arrival the court was at Queluz, and the Queen was as mad
as ever. Junot was anxious that his retinue should be as splendid as
a retinue possibly could be in Lisbon. His dress was superb, and
became him admirably, for he was then a very handsome man. He
wore his magnificent full-dress uniform of colonel-general of the
hussars, the same which he had had made for the Emperor's coro-
nation. The dolman was white, with red facings, the pantaloons blue,
and the pelisse blue, richly embroidered with gold. The sleeves of
the dolman and pelisse were adorned with nine gold chevrons,
superbly embroidered in an oak-leaf pattern. The pelisse was bor-
dered with magnificent blue fox-fur. This dress cost fifteen thousand
francs, independently of the heron plume in the shako, which was a
present from the Empress Josephine, and was worth more than a
hundred and fifty louis. He presented a truly martial appearance in
this dress. His tall handsome figure and noble countenance, on
which five honourable scars were visible, naturally commanded re-
spect. One of these scars was particularly visible, and was caused
by a wound received at the battle of Lonato.'*

* I may mention that whenever the Emperor looked steadfastly at Juiiot,
lie seemed to fix his eye with an expression of complacency on this long gash,
which extended from the temple almost to the bottom of the cheek. NapoleOD
used frequently to speak i>f the handful of blood he got at Milan, when play-
fully pulling Junot's hair, after a severe wound he had received on the crown
of his head. In the course of a conversation I had with him, alter my return
from Portugal, alluding to Junot's Bears, he asked me, singularly enough,
whether the Princess of Brazil had cast, tender glances at Junot. This was Inn
expression; and he added: — "Majhl! Junot is a handsome follow ; ami that

106 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Junot proceeded to Queluz in great pomp. The most trivial
points of Portuguese etiquette were scrupulously observed, and tho
equerry in white silk stockings was not forgotten. The carriage ir.
which he rode was one of the finest Paris could produce, having been
built by the celebrated coach maker, Leduc; the liveries were rich, and
I lie attendants numerous. Consequently, the embassy, consisting of
the ambassador, M. de Rayneval, Colonel Laborde, M.M. de Cherval,
Legoy, and Magnien, presented a very imposing appearance. Junot
went through his part exceedingly well, and was received with a
marked degree of favour, for which perhaps he was in some degree
indebted to our eight hundred thousand bayonets, and also to the
fear naturally inspired by such a minister of peace as Junot, who was
inclined to say with the ancient Roman: — "I bear peace or war in
the folds of my mantle." The Prince of Brazil by no means realized
the idea which Junot had formed of him, from what he had heard.
"Mon Dieu !" he exclaimed, on his return home, "how ugly the
Prince is ! . . . . Mon Dieu ! how ugly the Princess is ! . . . . Mon
Dieu ! how ugly they all am ! . . . . There is not a comely face
among the whole set, except the Prince Royal (the late Don Pedro),
the Prince de Beira. He is a handsome youth, and he looks like a
dove, amidst a brood of owls. But I cannot conceive," added Junot,
" why the Prince of Brazil stared at me so steadfastly. ... I did
not know that there was any thing very extraordinary in my looks,
but he never for a moment turned his eyes from me." In the
evening we learned what had excited the Prince's curiosity. M.
d'Araujo said, " Do you know the Prince was quite puzzled to know
why the ambassador did not take off his cap, as he called it. " What
does he mean by his cap ?" inquired I. " Why he calls the shako a
cap. I have affirmed that the shako is never removed even in the
presence of God, and the ambassador has certainly gone far to
confirm that idea. However, I can assure you, that but for me the
affair would have been made the subject of a note. But you will be
surprised when you learn the effect which the General's appearance
lias produced at court."

gear of his gives him a mai'tial air which would turn my head if T were a
woman. And I can tell you Junot made many conquests at Milan, and during
the campaigns of Italy." "When the Emperor was in good humour, he was
exceedingly fond of rallying his favourite officers. With women, on the
contrary, he never joked, or, if he did, his joke was a thunderbolt. The
strange mania that possessed him of telling wives of the infidelities of their
husbands, was never agreeable, and sometimes gave rise to very painfui
feelings.

THE PKLNCE REGENT OF PORTUGAL. 107

Thest last words piqued my curiosity, but M. d'Araujo smiled
and would not gratify it. However, it was not long before his mean
.ng was explained. On the day after the presentation the Prince
Regent's first valet de chambre was sent to request, that the French
ambassador would be pleased to lend his hussar uniform, as a pattern
for his Royal Highness's tailor, who was to make one like it for the
Prince, and one for the Infant Don Pedro. I had not then seen the
Prince of Brazil, therefore I could not laugh as I afterwards did,
when I beheld his corpulent figure, clumsy legs, and enormous head,
muffled in a hussar uniform. His negro hair (which, by-the-by, was
in perfect keeping with his thick lips, African nose, and swarthy
colour) was well powdered, and pomatumed, and tied in a thick
queue. The whole was surmounted by a shako, ornamented with a.
diamond aigrette, of great value. A more preposterous figure was
never seen. There was the pelisse hanging over his right shoulder,
like a Jew's bag of old clothes, and his clumsy ill-shaped legs, muffled
in braided pantaloons, and red boots. But the best of all was the
shako ; it was put on quite straight, and very backward ; with the
visor resting on his powdered head.

After Junot had made all his diplomatic evolutions, my turn
came. This was a tragical moment. Before I left Paris, and during
my journey, hoops had been only remote objects of terror, but as the
time for wearing them approached, I began to lose courage. Twice
or thrice, I attempted to try them on before my dressing room
Psyche, but I turned about so awkwardly, that I had nearly fallen flat

on my face And then, what a strange figure I cut ! — I looked

for all the world, like the Countess d'Escarbagnas ; and to tell the
truth, I believe it was this that alarmed me. — " Heavens !" I ex-
claimed, almost crying with vexation, " what an absurd thing it is to
be obliged to wear these horrible instruments of torture. . . . My
dear Junot," said 1, in the most coaxing tone I could assume, " do
pray get me exempted from this infliction. Come, I know you can
arrange the matter, if you will. . . . Prance is so powerful !" — But,
within the first fortnight of his embassy, that is to say, when ne had
fairly entered upon his duties, Junot began to be very grave. He r.o
longer laughed at the whimsical etiquette of the Portuguese court,
and lie now talked of nothing hut notes, and the. duties which nations
owe one, to another. When I spoke to him about, the In ops, he
seemed as astonished as if I had wished him to make a declaration
of war. — "Your hoop, Laura. . . . go in your hoop by all means.
Recollect that being an ambassadress, you, of all persons, are re-
quired to observe this etiquette To think of going without a

10S NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

hoop, the thing is impossible !" What was to be done ? there *

was like an ass, just harnessed with his panniers, swinging to the right
and swinging to the left, and in momentary expectation of falling on
my ncse. I was out of all patience, and I openly rebelled. I de
dared that my name should not mark an epoch in the annals of diplo-
matic presentations, and that people should not have to say — " Oh !
you recollect, it was the year when the French ambassadress fell
down at court . . . .Don't you remember her ridiculous exhibition ?"
Among the foreign ambassadors at the Court of Lisbon, was
Count Lebzeltern, the Austrian minister. His lady rendered me the
important service of helping me out of my dilemma. I was giving
her a history of my trouble, and complaining of the tyranny of
Junot, when she said : — " But, my dear madam, I cannot imagine
how it is that you find the hoop so awkward as you describe. . . .
You are slender, and you move as lightly as a fairy : why then should
you be so clumsy in your hoop ? There must be something wrong
about it. Let me see it ; I dare say I can suggest a remedy." She
guessed right. On examining my hoops, she found that they wanted
at bottom a little iron or brass rod, the use of which was to act as a
counterpoise to the enormous weight above it. When I tried them
on after this improvement, I found that I could walk like other people.
On the day appointed for my presentation, after getting the monstrous
mountain properly adjusted, I put on a dress of white silk, embroi-
dered with gold lama, and looped up at the sides with large gold
tassels, precisely after the manner of a window curtain. On my head
I wore a toque, with six large white feathers fastened by a diamond
clasp, and I had a diamond necklace and earrings. When thus har-
nessed, I drew on a pair of white gloves, for the daughter had not
the same antipathy as the mother, and I was ready to set off for
Queluz. But my troubles were not yet at an end. I had got dressed,
rt is true and had made up my mind to look like an ass laden with
cabbages ; but this was not enough. A fresh difficulty presented
itself. How was I to get into the carriage, especially at an hour of
the day when the Chafariz de Loretto was crowded with Galegos,*
who began to laugh when they beheld my extraordinary figure ?
With my foot on the carriage steps, I tried to squeeze myself in first
frontways, then sideways, and at length I stepped back in utter de
spair, for the vehicle was as much too low for my ^lume, as it was
too narrow for my hoop. Junot, who had not to go to Queluz that

* These are natives of the Spanish province, Galicia; they are employed
as labourers in Lisbon, and are extremely industrious.

MY AUDIENCE AT COURT. 109

day, anxious to see me safe off, came clown to the door in his robe dt
chambre and slippers, and assisted in packing me as gravely, and with
as much care, as if I had been a statue worth a million. At length we
mastered the difficulty, and in I got ; but then I found 1 was obliged
to sit slantwise, and with my body bent almost double, for fear of
breaking my feathers and crushing my beautiful moire draperies. In
this state of purgatory I rode from Lisbon to Queluz, a distance of
two leagues.

I was ushered by the camareira-mor* into the little suite of apart,
ments belonging to the Princess of Brazil. As it was contrary to
Portuguese etiquette for the Prince or King to receive an ambassa-
dress, this was the only visit I had to make, for all the Princesses
were assembled in the drawing-room of the. Princess of Brazil. ... I
made my three courtesies, looking all the while very stupid — for this
compliment is in itself exceedingly foolish, and then I waited for the
Princess to speak to me. I had been informed that she would ques-
tion me about France, and that she wished to render herself agreeable
to me, and that 7" personally was worth that trouble ; but I was the
representative of female France. Accordingly, the Princess com-
menced by observing that she should much like to know the Empress
Josephine, and she asked me whether she was as handsome as she
was represented to be. I replied that her Majesty was still very
handsome, and that her figure in particular was exquisitely fine.
" If," added I, " your royal Highness wishes to see a portrait of her,
I can have the honour of showing you a most striking likeness." I
then produced a miniature by Isabey, which was, like all his works, a
masterpiece of grace and delicacy. The Princess then spoke of her
mother, and laughed very much at the court regulation respecting
gloves. She then asked whether I thought her like her mother. I
boldly answered yes. Heaven forgive me for the falsehood ! for the
Queen had really been a fine woman, while the Princess could never
have been any thing but a most hideous specimen of ugliness.

Picture to yourself, reader, a woman four feet ten inches high at
the very most, and crooked, or at least both her sides were not alike;
her bust, arm, and legs, being in perfect unison with her deformed
shape. Still, all this might have passed off, in a royal personage, had
her face been even endurable; but, good Heavens! what a face it
was ! . . . . She had two bloodshot eyes, which never looked one way,
though they could not absolutely be accused of squinting — every

* The same post as the camerara-mayor of the Spanish court, already men
tioned.

110 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

body knows what eves I mean. . . . Then her skin; there was nothing
human in it : it might be called a vegetable skin. . . . Her nose de
scended upon her blue livid lips, which, when opened, displayed the
most extraordinary set of teeth that God ever created. Teeth, I
suppose, they must be called, though they were in reality nothing but
huge pieces of bone stuck in her large mouth, and rising and falling
like the reeds of a reed-pipe. This face was surmounted by a cranium
covered with coarse, dry, frizzy hair, which at first sight appeared to
be of no colour. I suppose it was black ; for looking at me, the
Princess exclaimed, " She is like us ... . She is dark-complexioned
.... She has hair and eyes like Pepita." — Heaven preserve me ! 1
inwardly exclaimed, while I involuntarily turned my eyes to a mir-
ror, as if to assure myself that what she said was not true. Pepita
was the Queen of Etruria !

The dress of the Princess of Brazil was in discordant unison, if I
may so express myself, with her person. This was precisely what it
ought to have been. She would have been natural, at least, in a
dress of dark-coloured silk, made perfectly plain. However, she had
thought proper to array herself in a dress of India muslin, embroi
dered with gold and silver lama. This dress, which was wretchedly
ill made, very imperfectly covered an enormous bosom, and a chest
all awry, while diamond brooches ornamented the sleeves, whose
extreme shortness displayed a pair of arms which would have been
much better concealed. Her frizzy, dingy hair, was plaited, and
decorated with pearls and diamonds of admirable beauty. The body
of her dress, too, was edged writh a row of pearls of inestimable
value. Her ear-drops were perfectly unique : 1 never saw any thing
like them. They consisted of two diamond pears, perfectly round,
of the purest water, and about an inch in length. The two brilliants
which surmounted the drops were likewise superb. The exquisite
beauty of these jewels, combined with the extreme ugliness of the
person who wore them, produced an indescribably strange effect, and
made the Princess look like a being scarcely belonging to our species.
Near her stood two of the young Princesses, one of whom wras about
ten years old. They were both fine girls, especially the one whose
name was I believe Isabel ; or at any rate, she who afterwards mar-
ried her uncle, Ferdinand VII. As to the other Princesses, Donna
Maria-Anna, and the widow, they were both ugly ; but it was an
amusing piece of coquetry in them to station themselves beside the
Princess of Brazil ; her singular ugliness gave a comparative touch
of beauty to the others.

Let the reader imagine, if he can, this personage dressed as I have

COSTUME OF THE COURT OF SPAIN. Ill

seen her in a hunting jacket (made almost like a man's) of green cloth
trimmed with gold lace, a petticoat likewise of green cloth open be-
hind and before, like those worn by our great grandmothers, when
they used to ride on horseback in the country ; and then the beaux
cheveux, which I have already mentioned, surmounted by a man's hat
stuck on the crown of her head. Such was the hunting costume of
the Princess of Brazil ; and her royal highness, it must be observed,
hunted like another Nimrod. Heavens ! what a strange being she
was. One day I arrived at Queluz just as she was setting out to hunt,
and when I beheld her equipped in her extraordinary costume, I
fancied I saw a grotesque vision before me. She had a black horse,
very small, like all the Portuguese horses, but sufficiently skittish to
intimidate a good male equestrian. To my amazement, the Princess
mounted him astride, and giving him two or three smart cuts with the
whip, she made him prance round the esplanade in front of the palace ;
and then she set off at full gallop, like a headlong youth of fifteen
just broke loose from college. She appeared to me so ridiculous,
that I confess I had great difficulty in preserving the gravity indispen
sable to my diplomatic dignity.

My presentation audience being over, I went, according to
etiquette, to see the camareira-mor. This personage was a little thin
woman, very dark and very shrivelled, as most of the old women in
Portugal are. Her dress, like that of all the ladies of the court of
Lisbon, was the strangest masquerade that Christian women can
possibly assume. It consisted of a petticoat of very stiff and thick
silk, of deep blue colour, with a border of gold embroidery; and her
robe wa& a piece of some kind of red silk, which dragged behind her
by way of .; train. I observed that some of the elder ladies of the
court wore a jort of toque or cap, fitted close to their heads (this I
believe was peculku to widows), and the camareira had in hers a large
blue flower of the san>^ colour as her petticoat. When 1 entered the
Princess of Brazil's drawmg-room, all the damas de honor were seated
—-guess, reader, where? On the floor! yes! on the floor! with theil
legs crossed under them, like iailors, or rather like the Arabs, whe
have bequeathed this amoLg ihe many other customs they have [eft
to the Peninsula. The ladies all rose up as I entered, and 1 almost
fancied myself surrounded by a flock of Brazilian birds, those brilliant
red and blue feathered paroquets. Their dresses were of the brightest
and most glaring colours. The Princess, though blind to the defects
of her person, apparently had sense enough to avoid these showy
Colours; and she never wore a court dress. If she had, it would have

112 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

been an awful affair to encounter the twofold monstrosity of her per
son and her dress.

After my presentation I was looked upon with much consideration
at Lisbon. 1 was the only important female connected with the diplo-
matic corps. There was to be sure the wife of the Enijlish minister,
Lady Robert Fitzgerald, aunt by marriage to the beautiful Pamela.*
But I know not how it was, her manners rendered her utterly intoler-
able. The good sense and gentlemanly manners of Lord Robert
Fitzgerald, formed a striking contrast to the qualities which distin-
guished his lady. She was a sort of virago, with large legs, large
arms, and large teeth : the latter making one almost afraid to go near
her, lest she should bite, an apprehension not unreasonable in those
who observed the furious way in which she used to eye even a French
hat or cap, looking like a tiger, ready to fly at the face of the woman
who wore it. The sort of reserve maintained by Lord Robert Fitz-
gerald, previous to our arrival in Lisbon, was a proof of his sagacity.
He clearly perceived the positive influence which France, supported
by Spain, was about to exercise upon Portugal. That influence was
not received by the nation with the ardour which England might have
been led to expect ; but it was not on that account the less decided ;
and Lord Robert, who knew the timid character of the Portuguese
government, had no inclination to engage in a conflict which at that
moment could not have turned to the advantage of England. The
Princess of Brazil was a Spaniard, therefore discretion was necessary,
and every train of reasoning led to the evident conclusion that France
was then the ruling power of Europe. Lord Robert Fitzgerald acted
prudently. He made no display, gave no parties, but limited himself
to the formal interchange of those diplomatic dinners, which furnished
a stock of ennui for several weeks. I fancy, too, that his fortune did
not enable him to live very expensively. In his youth, Lord Robert
must have been an extremely handsome man ; he had the manners of
a highly educated nobleman.

The principal secretary to the English embassy was a man whose
name was even then distinguished in the literary, as well as the politi-
cal world, and who since has acquired a celebrity of which his country
may be proud. I allude to Lord Strangford. He was then engaged
on an English translation of Camoens. His lordship was an agreeable
and well-bred man. He was short-sighted, and this circumstance,
.dded to his absence of mind, led him into some strange adventures.

* The adopted child of Madame de Genlis. She married the unfortunate
Lord Edward Fitzgerald.

FOREIGN MINISTERS AT LISBON. 113

One day calling on Pellegrini, an Italian painter, in Lisbon, he per-
ceived, as he imagined, M. d'Aranjo sitting for his portrait. Pelle-
grini motioned Lord Strangford not to approach, observing at the
same time, "It will be finished presently." Lord Strangford ima-
gined that the artist did not wish him to show himself lest he should
disturb the minister for foreign affairs at his sitting. After he had
waited more than a quarter of an hour, at a respectful distance as
became a young diplomatist, Pellegrini beckoned him to come for-
ward. He advanced with a low bow, but M. d'Aranjo seemed to
take no notice of his salutation. He made a second and a third bow,
but M. d'Aranjo still preserved the same motionless silence.

Lord Strangford, who probably attributed this coolness to French
influence, advanced quite close to the minister for foreign affairs, and
saluted him for the fourth time, but his surprise at the taciturnity of
M. d'Araujo was speedily converted into merriment when he perceived
that he had been bowing all the time to a figure dressed up in the
minister's robes of office.

The Spanish embassy would have been of infinite assistance to us
if the ambassador's lady had been living. The Count de Campo
Alange was an old man, a widower, and a greater devotee than any
good Christian needs to be. He was imbued with all the gloomy
superstition of the most ignorant of the Spaniards. In other respects
he was a worthy man, and his honourable principles well fitted him to
the post he filled. He became afterwards faithfully attached to King
Joseph, and proved his fidelity by the sacrifice of almost the whole of
his large fortune. His chief secretary, Senor Castro, was a man alike
remarkable for his intelligence and for the gloomy and even ferocious
character of his countenance. His black eyes, surmounted by his
bushy and lowering eyebrows, made him look like the leader of a
conspiracy.

When the troubles in Spain broke out, Castro took part in them,
and his name became celebrated among the Spanish insurgents and
the English. His mind was like his countenance, gloomy. The
decision of his character was expressed in his eye. His glance, alter-
nately wandering and alternately fixed, indicated the man whose mind
was solely occupied in one single object. Elewasa man of very great
ability. The under secretary to the Spanish embassy, Don Carnille
de los Rios, was as lively as a Frenchman, and spoke <>ur languago
with perfect elegance: he was a welcome guest at our house, Ilu
belonged to the noble family of Fernand Nunez, and had received Ins
education in France, at the college of Sorreze. He loved Prance as
A foreigner ought, without any absurd enthusiasm, and still preserving
47

Ll-i NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

for his own country that partiality which should be cherished for tha
place of one's nativity.

The Russian minister was the most tedious of men : we however
saw but little of him. England, which already began to tremble at
the threatened invasion of Europe by the overwhelming power of
Napoleon, tried every scheme to build up a barrier to oppose the
threatened torrent. It was whispered that a treaty had been sign-i
at St. Petersburgh between Great Britain and Russia. The fact was
not yet officially announced, but the Russian minister on being invited
to a party at my house, where there were more than two hundred
persons present, appeared with a face screwed up for the occasion.
He assumed such a ridiculous air of importance that even those who
were best disposed to England wished he had staid at home, since the
only effect he produced, was to render himself uglier than he naturally
was. Holland had only a consul-general at the court of Lisbon. He
discharged the functions of minister. His name was Dormann, and
he was a worthy and excellent man. His wife, like himself, was one
of those persons whose friendship and esteem always confer honour
on those who enjoy them.

The Austrian ambassador was M. von Lebzeltern. For him and
his interesting family we cherished a high regard. The Countess de
Lebzeltern, who was a native of Spain, was much advanced in years.
But the gaiety of her mind, and the playfulness of her manners, which
were the relic of a past age, recalled to my mind the traditions of
infancy, and conspired to attach me to her. Her daughters, especially
the eldest, Donna Theresa Maria, were charming girls. How many
delightful hours have I passed at Lisbon and at Cintra with this
estimable family ! Junot was much attached to them.

The Count de Villaverde filled in the Portuguese cabinet an office
similar to that which in France is called President of the Council.
He was considered to possess a certain tact, or, to speak in plainer
terms, a sort of shrewd cunning ; and was subject to that perpetual
timidity which in a government as well as an individual is the stamp
of degradation and frequently of dishonour. M. de Villaverde had
just talent enough to discern from the lightning's flash that the storm
was advancing upon his country. But there his discernment ended.
He had no resources to oppose to the danger, and having proclaimed
it, he delivered himself up to its terrors. The Viscount d'Anadia, the
minister of the marine, was one of those persons whom it is always a
happiness to meet. But the Viscount was not easily to be met with,
for he was an absolute hermit. He avoided society. He saw his
country in its true light, viz., a paradise inhabited by demons and

THE NUNCIO GALEPPI. 115

brutes, and containing a mere sprinkling of what was good. He con-
templated the evils of his country with a heavy heart, and a broken
spirit. M. d'Araujo, who was no less sensible to the misfortunes of
his country, used to say to him, " Let us try to remedy them," for he
did not think them incurable. But M. d'Anadia wept like Jeremiah
over the fate of his poor country, rejecting both consolation and hope.
He was an excellent musician, and he embellished his retreat with all
the resources of the fine arts. 1 contrived to gain his good graces,
and he came to visit at my house more frequently than he went else»
where.

I have now arrived at the principal portrait of my group, that
of the Apostolic Nuncio. Monsignore Galeppi, Archbishop of
Nisibi, is a man famous in the diplomatic annals of the Vatican.
The shrewdness joined to his extensive and profound information,
rendered his society extremely interesting.* He felt that his atti-
tude must be very humble towards France. I do not know whether
the Nuncio had received any instructions, or whether he anticipated
them, but certain it is, that as soon as he heard of our arrival, he con
stituted himself the friend, rather than the diplomatic colleague of the
Ambassador of France. As for me, he lost no time in declaring him-
self my cavaliere servente, and as he was between sixty and seventy,
his age of course set scandal at defiance. He declared himself my
admirer, and addressed to me the most elegant compliments. At the
same time he lavished caresses on my treasure (as he called my little
Josephine), and used to bring her presents of delicious sweetmeats,
made by an Italian confectioner whom he had brought from Rome.
The Nuncio did all this with good taste, without any tinge of servility,

* I may here relate an observation which fell from the Emperor relative to
Galeppi, and which shows his opinion of the crafty Italian's character. After
my return from Portugal, Napoleon was one day conversing with me about the
court of Lisbon, and naturally enough mentioned Monsignore Galeppi. He
had known him, I forget now where, hut I believe in Italy. lie observed that
all the art of the most subtle Turkish scheik was mere simplicity compared to
the cunning of Galeppi. This was a comparison he frequently made, and
often when talking of Galeppi at Malmaison, he used to point to the little
figure of an Egyptian scheik, enveloped in an enormous green pelisse trimmed
with sable, a turban made of a scarlet sprigged cachmere shawl, and holding in
his hand a jasmine wooden pipe, tipped with amber. lie told me that when
Galeppi was once signing a treaty with Mural, 1 do not recollect on what
occasion, lie put on a pair of green spectacles that the expression of his counte-
nance might not be observed. This single fact shows the man completely. In
the billiard room at Malmaison, there was a collection of these little figures,
representing all the scheiks of Cairo

116 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Mid it might have answered Graleppi's object, with those who would
have suffered themselves to be led, without looking where they went
But an event which ills'- happened was calculated to put us on our
guard. The council of the Holy rather had, as well as himself, reck-
oned on the restoration of his ancient domains. The treaty of Toletino
had deprived him of the three legations, and Cardinal Gonsalvi, a?
well as the rest, hoped that the Emperor would acknowledge the
deference the Pope had shown him by his journey from the Monte
Cavallo to the pavilion of Flora, in order to consecrate his coronation,
and would at least restore some of the wrecks of the legations. Napo-
leon did not fulfil this expectation. The Pope, after lingering four
months in Paris, recrossed the Alps, without obtaining any satisfac-
tion. Perhaps the Emperor committed an error. It is impossible to
conceive how prejudicial the bull of excommunication was to his
interests in Spain, Italy, and throughout Catholic Germany. He must
have perceived at this time the leaven of hatred and vengeance which
lurked in the breasts of the Italian ecclesiastics. Monsignore Galeppi
made no demonstration of his feelings to me, but he doubtless re-
gretted as keenly as others the loss of that gem of the triple crown.
At the time of the Italian coronation, the Nuncio, who had probably
requested his friends to furnish him with accounts of it, showed me a
great quantity of letters from Milan, giving details of the ceremony,
in terms which revealed profound attachment to Napoleon, and seemed
almost dictated by enthusiasm.

CHAPTER XIII.

The nobility of Lisbon — The Duke and Duchess de Cadaval — The nobleman
and his cook — Portuguese politeness — Their insincerity — Degradation of thi
country — The Marquis de Louie — The three Graces — Duchess of Alafoes— '
Marchioness de Lourical and de Louie — Count Sabugal — Countess da Ega—
ratification of a treaty — General Lannes' sabre — The order of Christ—
The valet-de-chambre and the red ribbon — Ceremony in the Convento Novo
— Tedious sermon — Prince of Brazil — Portugal under the domination of
England — Xaldi and Catalani at the Opera at Lisbon — Portuguese theatre,

When I was at Lisbon in 1805, the society of that capital presented a
strange mixture. It was in two extremes without any medium ;—
either detestable or excellent. In the latter division, which unfortu

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS DE CAD AVAL. 117

nately was the minority, I have already placed the Austrian minister's
family; and 1 am proud to say that the two other individuals whom
1 most highly esteemed in Lisbon, were French women married to
Portuguese. One of them was the Duchess de Cadaval, cousin to our
present King, and sister to the Duke de Luxembourg ; the other was
Madame de Braameamp de Sobral, the daughter of Count Louis de
Narbonne. The Duchess de Cadaval was married at Lisbon, at the
time of the emigration. She was possessed of great charms of person,
grace of manners, a cultivated mind, and an excellent heart. Made-
moiselle de Luxembourg was, at the date of her marriage, nineteen or
twenty years of age. She was tall and well shaped, her eyes, though
soft, beamed with animation, and she had an easy and gentle demeanour
whieh imparted additional charms to her appearance. When I knew
her she still retained the gaiety of her smile; but it was easy to detect
in it a tinge of grief. As I have never been honoured with her confi
dence, I may fearlessly disclose the observations I made upon her and
her husband. The Duchess de Cadaval, whose son may possibly one
day sit on the throne of Portugal, is an excellent woman in every re-
lation of life. When she married the Duke de Cadaval, his fortune
had been dissipated by debts of all kinds, some of them not the most
honourable.* The nobility of Portugal resembles no other. It con-
tains none of those elements whieh may be turned to advantage in
stormy times, when a country is in danger. The days of Juan de
Castro, Albuquerque, and Pombal, are gone by, and even the recol-
lection of them is almost extinct.

In no country, however, is the difference between the upper and
lower classes so strongly marked as in Portugal. The only point of
resemblance discernible between the two classes, is, their habit of pay.
nig compliments, which the Portuguese carry to a ridiculous pitch of
extravagance, far beyond even the ceremonious politeness of the
Spaniards, which, though overstrained, lias nevertheless some appear
ance of sincerity. A Portuguese peasant, when he meets his friend,
never fails to take, his hat oil", and hold it in his hand, whatever may

be the state, of the weather, until he has inquired after the health of
the children, the grandchildren, and the house-doa. I have never

* She had the courage to adopt a most rigid system of iroiioniy iii his I so-

hold. There wa« a cook to whom he owed 50,000 francs. This <1 <-l >i she paid.

The Duke, enraged at this settlement with a man whom l>" all id to be a thief,

behaved in the most violent manner to Ids wife; nor was li" appeased 1 1 1 1 the
fallowing day, wlien the money was refunded. < ';• m the reader guea bo'w I H"
staked the stm> at pharo with the cook, and won it. This is o fact) and truths
such as these caused the Duches de I ladai al to shed bitter t.-ars.

118 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

heard a Portuguese utter an indecent expression or ;ji oath. This
peculiarity in their character is so marked, that there exists no word
in the Portuguese Language which is equivalent to the Spanish caramba,
much less to other blasphemous expressions used in common conver-
sation by the French, English, and Germans. The Portuguese aro
great talkers: — they may almost be called babblers. They are not
frank, but are constantly endeavouring to conceal their real feelings
under the cover of engaging and polite attentions. Of this, we our-
sel7es experienced mortifying proofs, when, at a subsequent period,
Junot, with his chivalrous generosity oi* feeling, sought the aid of men
wno had once offered to place their fortunes and lives at his disposal,
and who answered his appeal only by base treason. The men are not
handsome in Portugal. There is among the Portuguese a sort of
mixed blood, which gives them very much the appearance of mulattoes:
this is particularly observable in Lisbon and Oporto. The fact may
probably be accounted for by the frequent intercourse maintained by
the inhabitants of those two cities with the negroes. In figure, the
Portuguese are short, thick set, and square. Their features present
no regularity ; and the thick lips, flat noses, and curly hair of the
negroes, are frequent among them. But it is in their hands, and
especially their nails, that the distinctive character of the mixed blood
is above all perceptible.

The decay of Portuguese society is perhaps owing materially to
their government. Never has that government known how to turn
to good account any generous impulse on the part of the people.
Such feelings have always been stifled by fantastic laws, still more
fantastic in their application. The ruin of literature was so complete
at the period of our residence in Portugal, that Camoens was scarcely
known. To this melancholy state of things was added the English
domination, the real cause of the malady which preyed upon the
vitals of Portugal in 1805. The English were then all powerful at
Lisbon, and their rule was exercised with perfect despotism. How
could it be otherwise when the Prince of Brazil himself set the
example 1

After my presentation I kept open house. I received company
every day, and three times a week I gave a grand dinner. I often
gave balls, but not for the Portuguese, who indeed are not fond of
dancing, and dance very badly. At the time to which I allude, there
was but one man in Lisbon who danced well, and he would have been
conspicuous even in Paris, not only for that accomplishment, but also
for the general elegance of his manners and his high-bred politeness.
This was the unfortunate Marquis de Louie. He was very much like

1

PORTUGUESE NOBiLITY. 119

the portraits of Henry IV., and had the pleasing smile which distin-
guished that monarch. He married one of the " three Graces," for so
we called the sisters of the Marquis de Marialva, who has been
ambassador from Portugal to France, and who is one of the few men
who do honour to Portugal. The Marchioness de Louie, the Mar-
chioness de Lourical, and the Duchess of Alafoes, were indeed most
charming girls.

The Duchess of Alafoes, remarkable for her beauty, was, when I
knew her, about twenty-eight years old, and the aunt of the Princess
and of the Prince-Regent ; I believe also of the old mad queen. The
Duke of Alafoes was upwards of eighty. He was a lively and intelli-
gent man, and had travelled much. He had been long in France, and
his recollection of that country sufficed to ensure a polite reception to
every Frenchman who visited him. He was no favourite at court at
the period of our stay at Lisbon, and consequently lived very retired
at his residence, called the Grillo. at the eastern extremity of Lisbon.
After the custom of the most exalted fidalgos, he lived in the midst
of a troop of dependants who formed a sort of little court around him.
The Marchioness de Lourical and the Marchioness de Louie were
more elegant than their sister. They were fond of pleasure : they
used to come to my balls, and scrutinize my toilet with looks of
envy, and amused themselves by saying ill-natured things of France,
her ambassador, and even her ambassadress.

In 1805 the Bellas family were exceedingly influential in Portugal.
They were devoted to England, soul and body, and used English
manners. The Marquess de Ponte de Lima was a man of very pleas-
ing manners, who spoke French well. He was married to his cousin,
the daughter of the Countess de Obidos. She had a pretty face, but
though only twenty, she was, like the Baroness Von Tondertintrunck,
nearly three hundred weight. This was the consequence of a habit of
gourmandizing, and an excessive indulgence in caldo de galUna* The
Portuguese are by no means so abstemious as the Spaniards.

Count Sabugal, the eldest son of the Count d'Obidos, was a man
of very elegant manners. He wrote Italian verses very neatly, and
Bpoke French well. lie was passionately (bud of literature, whicb
was something rare; for tin; Portuguese aobility make literary taste
a subject of ridicule. The Count was connected with the royal
family, ami therefore his servants wore the green livery. Count Sa-
bugal would have been a distinguished man in his own country, hail
the government employed him as it oughl to have done, but in Por

* Chicken dressed with rica.

i20 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AST) FAMILY.

tugal nothing is ever seen in its right place. The Countess da Ega i*
another individual of whom I will here say a few words, though
Bhall presently have to speak more at length of her and her family
Tli>' Countess was a Portuguese, by birth, but the daughter of a Ger
man nobleman. She was an intelligent woman, well informed,
without pedantry, and she spoke and wrote several foreign languages
with facility. Just as I arrived in Lisbon, the Countess was about
leaving Portugal fur Madrid, where her husband was ambassador.
As she had taken her conge at court, that monster etiquette which
creates so much annoyance in the world, prevented me from seeing
her. However, I afterwards saw her in Madrid, on my way back to
France. Her acquaintance was a source of great gratification to me ;
for her house was the resort of the best company, and her cultivated
taste gave her a superiority over most of her countrywomen. Her
fair hair and fine complexion made her look like a German or an
Englishwoman rather than a Portuguese; and she was altogether a
very pretty and elegant woman. The Count da Ega, who was very
old and ugly, possessed, it was said, considerable ability as a states-
man. Since her widowhood, the Countess has married Baron Von
StrogonofF, the brother of my friend Madame Demidoff.

The treaty concluded by General Lannes had been signed,* and
the Emperor directed Junot to present the ratifications to the Prince
Regent. Junot carried them to Queluz, where the Prince generally
resided. When his Royal Highness received the rouleau of papers,
he began to laugh : — " Ah !:' . . . he exclaimed, " yes ! . . . . yes ! . . .
yes ... It is a fine treaty ! . . . a fine treaty ! . . . Ah ! Portugal is a
fine nation ! . . . a very fine nation !" I must mention that at this
moment, Junot and the Prince were alone on a little terrace which
commanded a fine view of the scenery round Queluz ; and when the
Prince said, " Portugal is a fine nation !".... he alluded to the fields
of olives and maize which he perceived around him. — "Yes! ....
yes !...." he continued, " it was on this very spot, that I gave my
word of honour to General Lannes .... The general is rather . . . ."
Then observing a frown gathering on Junot's brow, the poor Prince
drev> in his horns, and added, " He is a very worthy man ! .... He
used to carry a very large sabre which made a great noise as he came
up stairs." I was informed that Lannes's sabre had once or twice
nearly frightened the Prince of Brazil out of his wits. Probably, the
plenipotentiary observing its effects in accelerating business, em-

* The treaty of neutrality be ween France, Portugal, and Spain, concluded
fn 1803.

CEREMONY AT THE CONVENTO NOVO. 121

ployed it as a convincing argument. The great sabre had left a pro-
found impression in the memory of the Prince.

As a mark of gratitude for (he courtesy which Junot had evinced
in his relations with the court of Lisbon, the Frince of Brazil offered
him the grand cordon of the order of Christ. Junot could not venture
to refuse it, though he was very much inclined to do so ; but ho
replied that he could not accept it without the Emperor's permission,
yhich he would write for.* However, remonstrance was useless;
and Junot received formal permission to accept the order of Christ
on the eve of a grand ceremony which was to take place at a convent
recently founded by the mad Queen, called 0 convento Novo. This
convent, to which a beautiful little church was attached, was situated
on one of* the hills of Lisbon, which, on account of its pure air, was
resorted to by foreigners as their place of residence, and was known
by the name of Buenos Ayres. Junot inquired what dress was to be
worn by the Knights on the occasion, and he was informed, a large
mantle of white crape, without lining, and training on the ground.
" Well," said Junot, using an emphatic expression, " the best thing I
can do is to dress myself like a priest on Shrove-Tucsday, to complete
the ceremony." The Minister for Foreign Affairs had sent a note to
Junot, informing him that the Prince Regent requested his presence
at the Convento Novo, as Grand Cross of the order of Christ, if he
had received from his Sovereign leave to accept it. Junot replied,
that to his great regret the courier who he had no doubt would bring
him the gracious permission, had not yet returned; but he added,
that Madame the Ambassadress, who was exceedingly anxious to
witness the imposing ceremony, requested to know whether she could
be admitted to the chapel without any breach of etiquette. M.
d'Araujo immediately replied, that places should be reserved for me
and any persons who might accompany me, and that I must be at the
convent next morning at half-past eleven o'clock.

As Junot could not properly accompany me to the Convento Noro,
MM. de Rayneval, de Cherval and Magnien escorted me; and at
half-past ten o'clock we all left the Chafariz de Loretto for Buenos
Ayres. I was dressed as any lady in Paris would have dressed on a
similar occasion. I wore an Indian muslin dress with a worked
border. It was made high in the neck, and with a demi-train, as

* In spiff of the reverence attached to the name of this order, it is perhaps
the most insignificant in the catalogue <>l' k n i lt I ■ 1 1 v decorations. Junot could
nardly he blamed for wishing to decline the honour intended him, when In,
had seen the Duke de Cadaval's servant, waiting on his master, invested with
the red ribbon of tin- order.

122 NAPOLEOX, HIS COURT AND FA Mill".

morning dresses usually wore at that time. I had on a Leghorn hat
with a bouquet of wild flowers, a very large English veil, coloured
gloves, and black shoes. As for the gentlemen, they were in boots
and round hats, in short, quite in an undress. On arriving at the
convent we were received with military honours. The guard pre-
sented arms, the drums beat, and an emigrant French officer stepped
forward to hand me from my carriage, and to conduct me to the
place which he said was reserved for me by order of the Prince. We
passed through a number of little passages and doors, and at length
reached a very gloomy corridor, where I heard some delightful sing-
ing. We were separated from the body of the church only by some
tapestry. " Take care, your Excellency !" said the officer, " there ar<»
three steps to ascend."

I stepped up, and he raised the tapestry. It was now impossible
for me to recede : I found myself at the edge of a broad platform, on
which were the Prince Regent, the Prince of Beira, and in short all
the male portion of the royal family of Portugal, but not one of the
females. Jt was fortunate that there was a seat for me, for I was
ready to expire, from confusion and vexation. The reader may
imagine what I must have felt at finding myself an object of observa
tion to seven or eight hundred persons, who looked upon the wife of
the French ambassador as an extraordinary animal. At that time
the men of the Revolution were regarded by foreigners as paragons
of bravery ; but in Portugal it seems they were looked upon as abso-
lute anthropophagi. What then must have been thought of their
wives? Fortunately for me, Count de Novion, who, as well as his
wife, had been for thirty years the friend of my family, assured the
Portuguese that my parents were old Christians. Thus I found
favour in the eyes of the Portuguese, who though three parts Jewish
are extremely tenacious of admitting amongst them any persons who
do not bring good proofs of their purity of blood. M. de Rayneval
and M. de Cherval were as much perplexed as I w~as by our awkward
situation. Their first impulse like mine was to retreat; but this was
impossible, and the greater our astonishment was, the more it behoved
us to conceal it from the uncharitable ridicule to which we knew we
should be exposed.

That I might be the better able to observe the ceremony, I had
raised my veil on entering. I would fain have drawn it down again
to hide my poor face, which I am sure must have been as red as a
pomegranate. The Prince Regent, who probably had never seen an
ambassadress in such a situation, fixed'upon me two great eyes, which
almost frightened me. though I could hardly help laughing. For

THE PRINCE OF BRAZIL. 123

tunately my attention was diverted by observing fhe Knights of
Christ ranged in two files, and each covered with the white crape
mantle, at the idea of which Junot had been so much amused. The
strange figures of the Count de Villaverde, then President of the
Council, the Prince of Brazil, and many other distinguished personages
present, dressed in white crape mantles, marching to and fro in a
space of twenty-five feet, alternately sitting down, standing up, and
kissing each other's ugly faces, was so diverting, that they afforded
me some compensation for my embarrassment. But one gets tired
of every thing. I began to yawn, and M. de Cherval, who was also
tired to death, said to me in a whisper, "Never mind, we shall get
off very well if we can escape the sermon." At this moment we
heard a voice exclaim with a nasal twang, "7/t nomine Potris, el
Filii" d-c. We looked at each other with such an expression of
despair, that the inclination to laugh naturally followed. However,
this was immediately suppressed by a sermon in Portuguese, a horri-
bly barbarous sounding language to those who do not understand it,
with its continual terminations in aon. This harangue lasted for a
long hour and a half. So we were obliged to exercise our patience
and hear him to an end.

During my long torture I surveyed the different members of the
royal family. As to the Prince of Brazil I have already attempted
to sketch his portrait, but his countenance baffles all description.
There was a caricature published in Lisbon, the day after his flight, in
which he was represented with a bull's head with somewhat of the
expression of a wild boar. The fact is that he was not only ugly, but
his ugliness was of that description which left good nature no resource.
It was Impossible to look with patience at his great brutish head, his
clumsy legs, and his shoulders as broad as those of a Gal ego. The
Prince of Beira*, his son, was handsome, and was altogether a pleas-
ing and interesting child.

At length after nearly four hours' torture we were allowed to go
away, because the Prince and his craped court took it into their heads
to retire, after kissing each other in all peace and charity, although
th<-y hated one another as cordially as any persons in the world. 1
did not leave my place until I was pretty sure the Prince was quite
gone, then again accepting the arm of the officer who had before es-
corted me, I regained my carriage. My companions were exceedingly

* So called in order that ho might not, be confounded with the Infant Don
Psdro, the son of an Infant of Spain and a Portuguese Princess, then at th«
cdurl of Portugal The Prince of Beira is the late Emperor <>f Brazil

124 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

annoyed, especially M. de Rayneval, who, accustomed as he was to
the ennui of court life, had never before swallowed so soporific a
potion. The guards saluted us at our departure as the}' had done on
our arrival, presenting arms and beating drums, and we departed
fully resolved to make strict inquiries respecting any ceremony of the
Court of Lisbon which we might again desire to witness.

There was at this period great hesitation on the part of (ho
Portuguese government to obey the imperious wishes of England
Even the court of Lisbon, though directly under the yoke of Great
Britain, could not obey her without fear and trembling. Now, too,
a voice of thunder also issued its mandates and insisted on being
obeyed. Hitherto Portugal had not been under much apprehension
with respect to France, because we could not attack her except by
sea, and we had no fleet. But Spain was now subjected to the man
to whom mountains covered with snow, raging torrents, unformed
roads, hostile fleets — nothing proved an obstacle, and a sort of
instinctive terror hinted to Portugal, " This man will ruin you if
you do not obey him." And truly this man did ruin her, and because
she did not obey him. What I have a. ready said of the Portuguese
character, will enable the reader to comprehend the double dealing
of the court of Lisbon. M. d'Araujo, who wished to act uprightly,
was compelled to do as the others did. England herself had began
to fear. The squadron of Rochefort, under the command of Vice
admiral Missiessi, sailed from Aix on the 11th of January, 1805,
and returned to Charente after a cruise of six months, having com-
pletely effected its object, without having once been seen by the
enemy.*

This intelligence, which we received one evening in the midst of
a fete at our hotel, did not appear to impart equal pleasure to all
present. I remarked the circumstance to an individual for whom
both I and Junot entertained a great esteem, and who possessed a
minute knowledge of both Portugal and England, under all the
various aspects which those two nations presented. This individual,
who usefully aided me in my own observations, was the celebrated
singer, Naldi, then a performer at the Lisbon opera. He came to
Paris and ended a life which he had employed in acts of benevolence,
and in proving that unsullied worth which may be found even in his
profession. I engaged him for my singing master as soon as I heard
him in Fioiaventi's Camilla, and we soon learned to appreciate his

* Tliis sqnadion visited the Islands cf Monl-Serrat and St Christopher, and
made some captures during the voyage.

NALDI. — THE OPERA AT LISBON. 125

rarious merits. Naldi was distinguished for extensive information
on every subject relating to the fine arts, science, and mechanics.
His love for the latter afterwards cost him his life. He was trying
an avco clave at his residence in Paris, when the machine, which was
cew and not perfectly understood by him, burst and fractured his
scull. Plow many delightful hours have I passed in listening to the
delicious compositions of Fioraventi, sung by Naldi and Guaforini '
Naldi also excelled in the Fanatico per la Musica. This opera, which
was produced during my residence at Lisbon, for Guaforini and
Naldi, vas quite spoiled in Paris when Madame Catalani arranged
it for her voice. The pretty duo of trie singing lesson was no longer
the same. The Lisbon opera was at that period the most famous
in Europe. Catalani, then in her zenith, was the prima donna. The
soprano was Matucchi, the successor of Crescentini ; M .mbelli was
the tenor, and he was a very excellent singer and actor. There was
also another tenor, named Olivieri. This was the company for the
opera seria. For the opera buffa there were Guafonini, Naldi, and a
good tenor, whose name I have forgotten. Add to this list the names
of Fioraventi, the composer for the opera buffa, Marco Portogallo,
composer for the opera seria, and Caravita, as writer of the libretti,
and some idea may be formed of what the Lisbon opera was in 1805
and 180G.

As to the Portuguese theatre, which is called Teatro de Salitre, it
was wretchedly bad. The house was gloomy and dirty, and the
actors detestable. I went once to see the performance of Gabriclle
de Vergy translated into Portuguese ; I began to understand a littl 1
of the language, but I could as easily have comprehended Chinese as
the Portuguese actors : they seemed to be braying. As to the
dresses I cannot attempt to describe them. When Fayel enters
Gabrielle's prison wounded, the actor, wishing to have the appearance
of being stained with blood, made an immense blotch of red on a
portion of his dress. This was hideously disgusting. The Lusitanian
Roscius had got a piece of red rag sewed upon his dress, and being
insecurely fastened, it got loose, and fluttering in the wind which
blew in from the side scenes, produced a most ludicrous effect. The
reader may judge of the rest from what I have stated. The Por-
tuguese themselves do not go to their national theatre. They have no
dramatic writers. The actors are bad, because there is no audience
capable of appreciating them if they were good.

126 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER XIII

Belem — Garden at Bemfica — The dangerous bouquet — Military position of
Lisbon — Junot's subsequent defence of it in 1808 — The mad Queen Donna
Maria — My encounter with her — Cintra — Country houses there — Coalition
preparing against France — Elevation of Madame Lsetitia and the Princess
Eliza — Naval action between Villeneuve and Sir R, Calder — Captain Baudin
of the Topaze frigate — His successes — Promoted by Napoleon— Observations
on Colonel Napier's work — Letter from Napoleon to Junot — Attitude of
Austria — Junot's visit on board the Topaze — My illness — Junot departs to
join the Emperor — His speedy arrival at Napoleon's head-quarters — His con-
versation with the Emperor.

The King has no palace in Lisbon. He formerly resided at Belem,
but since that castle was burnt, the royal family live at Queluz,
which they never leave except when they go to Maffra, a royal
convent, and a wretched copy of the Escurial. The castle of Belem*
was being rebuilt when I was in Lisbon. The only garden in the
environs of Lisbon that deserves the name is the property of the
Marquis d'Abrantes, at Bemfica. One day when I was walking in it,
inhaling the balmy air, in an alley formed of superb magnolias and
palm-trees, then in full bloom, the gardener made me up a large
bouquet, in which he placed four or five magnolia flowers. On my
return home with my bouquet, I felt an unusual drowsiness. I went
to bed, having first placed my nosegay in water, and deposited it on
a table near my bedside, that I might enjoy its delicious perfume.
When I lay down the drowsiness with which I had been oppressed
appeared to leave me. My blood circulated with extreme violence,
my pulse beat as if I had been in a fever. I was for a consider-
able time exceedingly restless, but at length I fell into a profound
and heavy sleep. As I had retired to bed very much fatigued, Junot
desired the servants not to disturb me the next morning. However,
at eleven o'clock, finding that I had not been called, he himself came
into my apartment, and opened my shutters, whilst my little Jose-
phine climbed upon the bed to embrace me. But as soon as the
light came into my room, the poor child uttered a terrible shriek.

* Belem is called a suburb of Lisbon, but it may be considered as forming
part of the city.

MILITARY POSITION OF LISBON. 127

I was almost suffocated. Junot instantly threw open the windows
My faculties were so completely suspended that at first he supposed
me to be dead. However, there was no contraction of the features
which indicated suffering. I was deadly pale, and my teeth were so
firmly closed, that on coming to myself again, I could hardly separate
them. My eyelids also were very much swollen. I had lost my
sense of hearing, and was in a state of perfect insensibility. Junot
raised me in his arms, and carried me into the balcony. The air
caused me to give signs of life, but it was not till M. Magnien* had
rubbed my forehead with vinegar, and I believe with ether and alkali,
that I was able to open my eyes. I awoke as if from a long and
sound sleep. My eyes could not support the light of day, and I
several times appeared inclined to relapse into my state of insensi-
bility. I remained in this situation about two hours. I had felt no
pain until I was perfectly roused, and then I suffered from violent
head-ache, which was removed only by very active exercise. 1
should undoubtedly have died had not Junot entered my chamber
just as he did. This circumstance serves to prove the baneful effects
which may be produced by perfumes so powerful as those exhaled
in Portugal by the magnolia, and especially the datura, of which
there was a superb branch in my nosegay, as well as daphnes of all
kinds.

I have now to make a few observations on the military condition
of the Portuguese capital. Lisbon appears when approached from
Spain, as if entrenched behind the Tagus, which at that part is two
leagues broad. From hence to the mouth of the river, about half a
mile, there, are several hills which might be easily defended, but
which do not command the city. On one of the hills is a tower,
corresponding with the tower of Belem. It is fortified and contains
a garrison, and is called Torre Velha. Near the mouth of the river
are two villages, Trafferia and A-Costa. From the point of land
where A-Costa is situated, a sand-bank runs out to a large fortified
tower, which, together with a fort built opposite to it, defends the
entrance to the port. Its proper name is the Fort de San Lour en 90,
but it is commonly called Torre di Bugio. The northern bank then
stretches much further into the sea, and forms the famous promontory
of Cabo di Rocca. A little below Belem, proceeding towards Lisbon,
is a square fort called the Torre de Belem, which is thickly planted
with cannon, and defends the passage. No vessel could pass theso

* M. Magnien was a medical gcMitlemaa He accompanied the embassy, but
not in any official capacity.

128 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

guns without being seriously assailed. A short time before I arrived
in Lisbon, several batteries were built near this fort, some quite on
the edge of the river, which is very difficult of access. The channel
is very narrow, and its mouth is barred by a bank of stone. At a
short distance stands the little town of Oeyras, and two leagues lower
down, still following the current of the river, is Cascaes, an important
town, having a fort, beneath which vessels may anchor. Close to
this place is Fort San Antonio. From thence, in the direction of the
north, the river is bordered only by a chain of broken rocks, while on
the south, there are an immense multitude of sand-banks, not yet
marked on any map. From the description I have here given of the
position of Lisbon, the reader may conceive the difficulty, not to say
impossibility of carrying the city, by an attack directed either from
the side of Spain or from the sea. Before the city could be en-
dangered in the latter direction, the hostile force must land at a
considerable distance, and in that case Lisbon may defend herself by
an army, and her natural position. It was by this means that Junot
defended Lisbon in 1808; but once the barrier being passed, all
defence is impossible. Thus availing himself of the peculiarities of
his position, a general entrusted with the defence of Lisbon, once said
to his assailant :

" Grant me the conditions which / impose upon you, or I wdl
destroy the city of Lisbon ; the Emperor did not confide to me his
eagles, that they should be dishonoured by a capitulation."* This
was Junot's reply to Sir Arthur Wellesley, when, after the battle of
Vimeiro, he found himself with 12,000 men, opposed to 35,000
English and an equal number of Portuguese troops, backed by a
savage and insurgent population, bent on the pillage and massacre of
the French. And he would have done as he said. Of course he and
his army would have been destroyed first, but the destruction of the
English would have been equally certain. This would have been
better than the burning of Moscow, for at that catastrophe, Rostopchin
escaped.

Leaving Bel em and its fortifications and crossing two leagues of
\ fertile and cultivated country, we arrive at the residence of the
/oyal family, which is situated in a solitary valley. Here dwelt the

* The enthusiastic devotion of Madame Junot to Napoleon, and her respeo1
for her husband's military talents, has blinded her judgment, and led her intft
great inaccuracy in her estimate of the relative forces of the French and Anglo-
Portuguese armies at the time of Junot's discomfiture by Sir A. Wellesley.—
Eng. Ed.

THE MAD QUEEN. 129

mad Queen, Donna Maria. She was at times raving mad, and was
always haunted by the dread of hell-fire. Whenever her confessor, the
grand-inquisitor, entered her room, she would exclaim that he was
the devil. She used also to greet her daughter-in-law with the same
appellation ; but in this instance, at least, the mistake was not very
extraordinary. This Queen was the mother of the two Princes of
Brazil. One died of the sinall-pox before he came to the throne: tho
other reigned in Brazil as he did in Lisbon. Heaven knows how
gloriously that was ! . . . . The mad Queen was therefore the grand-
mother of Don Pedro and the great-grandmother of the. young Queen
Donna Maria de Gloria. Her majesty never left her royal prison
except to enter another, namely one of the little Portuguese carriages,
in which she was closely shut up until she got into the country, and
quite out of the reach of the public gaze ; then, sometimes her
keepers would let her go out of the carriage and enjoy her liberty.

One day when I was strolling in a little romantic valley, in the
neighbourhood of Cintra, 1 met three ladies, one of whom attracted
my notice on account of her strange appearance and wild stare. It
was a windy day, and her hair, which was as white as silver, was
blown over her face and shoulders. As this appeared to annoy her,
one of the females who accompanied her, endeavoured to shade the
hair from her face, but for this kind office she received a box on the
ear, which I heard. Three men were walking at some distance to
render assistance in case of need. When I was perceived, one of
these men came to me and, addressing me in Portuguese, begged that
I would retire. He did not, however, mention her Majesty, ami K
was not until afterwards that I was informed, by M. d'Araujo, it was
the Queen. I think her attendants must have told her who I was ;
for as I withdrew I perceived that she was menacing me with clenched
fists, and darting at me looks which were absolutely demoniacal. This
rencounter not only frightened me, but it gave rise to a world of mel-
ancholy reflections. The Sovereign of a great nation wandering in a
solitary valley, and consigned to the charge of a few menials, whose
impatience and ill-temper being excited by constant attendance on the
unfortunate lunatic, were likely to increase her malady ; her gray
head, ton. which in its desen-voltvra, seemed to reject, the crown it
could not support: all presented a picture which made a profound
impression on my mind. When, on my return home, 1 mentioned
my adventure to Junot, we could not help remarking the curious fact
that all the Sovereigns of Europe, at least all the legitimate Sover.
eigns, were at that time either mad or imbecile.

On the north-west of Lisbon u long chain of high mountains
48

130 NAPOLEON', HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

terminates the beautiful landscape. These are the mountains of
('intra,* upon which many of the Portuguese have their quintet, or
country house.

We hired a quinta at Cintra, which had belonged to a Madame \\
Roche, the widow of a French merchant. The garden was not large,
but it was entirely planted with orange and lemon trees, which, we
were informed, produced an extraordinary abundance of fruit. At
Cintra we found the Duke and Duchess de Cadaval. They had tlnee
quintets there, and scarcely one of them was habitable. The Duchess
laughed at this, though it was easy to perceive she was dissatisfied.
As to the Duke, he did not concern himself about the matter. His
occupations were gambling and abusing the French, ad least, saving
behind their backs what he dared not have said to their faces. We
had also near us the family of the Austrian minister, our intimate
friends the Lebzelterns. They resided in the old royal palace of
Cintra, part of which was assigned to their accommodation by the
court. This formed a pleasant little journey for us, for our house
was almost at Colares at the other extremity of the valley.

While we were at Cintra, Junot received letters announcing posi
lively that a third continental coalition had been formed against
France. He became low-spirited, for he was fearful that the Em-
peror would forget him. He therefore wrote to Napoleon, and sent
off his letter by an extraordinary courier. It was now July. The
reports of war were circulated only in whispers ; for Austria had not
formally acceded to the treaty between Russia and England. At
this time, too, I learned an event which rendered me truly happy.
Madame Lajtitia Bonaparte was at length raised to the rank suitable
to the woman who had given birth to the Sovereign of Europe, and I
was appointed one of her ladies. I have reason to be gratified for
the kindness I invariably experienced from that Princess. She was
an excellent woman, and possessed a truly queen-like heart.

About this period, several acts of the Emperor awakened the
petty animosity of some of the governments of Europe. All that
was wanted was a pretext for rising against the colossus, whose re-
generating hand was extended to all the old crowned heads which
were tottering beneath anticpiated and decayed institutions. By an
imperial decree, the states of Parma and Placenzia were united to
France, and Lucca was given to the Princess Eliza. England, des-

* Lord Byron has justly observed that Cintra is a paradise inhabited by
demons, but in alluding to that place in his Cliilde Harold, he has committed
an historical error which I shall hereafter correct

CAPTAIN BAUDIN" AND HIS SUCCESSES. 131

perately resolved on war, at any sacrifice, gladly seized the opportu-
nity to characterize as the ambition of invasion, that which was rather
the ambition of glory on the part of Napoleon. Accordingly her
fleets put to sea. The Emperor, assured of the good will and fidelity
of Spain, and confiding in Admiral Villeneuve (that man who brought
so much misfortune and disgrace on our arms), ordered him to go in
pursuit of the enemy, but only with a superior force, which was very
easy, since we had the command of the dock-yards and arsenals of
Spain. Admiral Villeneuve set sail with a combined fleet consisting
of fourteen French ships of war, and six Spanish vessels. He fell
in with the English fleet, commanded by Sir Robert Calder, off" Cape
Finisterre. The unfortunate Villeneuve was beaten with a superior
force, and two of the Spanish ships fell into the hands of the enemy.
We were among a people to whom our misfortunes were a source of
joy, and our glory a cause of mourning: — it may easily be imagined,
therefore, what were our feelings on the receipt of the above intelli-
gence, which came to us before even it reached the Emperor. Junot
was furious. But Heaven had a compensation in store for us. How
happy I am to number among my friends a man of whom the French
navy had just reason to boast, and over whose laurels we then shed
tears of pride.

We were still dejected by the melancholy intelligence of the
battle of Finisterre, when we learned that a French frigate had just
entered the port of Lisbon after some glorious engagements. We
were then at Cintra. Junot directed Colonel Laborde to set off to
Lisbon, and to request the commander of the frigate to come to him
immediately. It was too late for him to return that evening ; but
next morning the Colonel came back accompanied by the brave officer
who had secured such a triumph to the French flag. Junot hastened
to meet him and embraced him as if he had been an old friend.
Captain Baudin was, at that time, a very young man, handsome, and
of mild and reserved manners. He commanded the frigate la Topaze,
forty-four guns. Off the Antilley, he had fallen in with the English
frigate, Blanche, also of forty-four guns. He had defeated and cap-
lured her. Returning to Europe to refit, for he had suffered consid-
erably in the engagement, he fell in with another English vessel, the
Reasonable, sixty-four guns, near the coast of Spain : " My lads," said
he to his crew, " shall we allow this fine prize to escape us ?" " No !"
exclaimed with one voice both officers and men. " Houra pour la
belle France ! .... Captain, give the word !" The guns of t he To-
paze gave the signal for the attack, and with his masts broken, Ins
6ails tattered, a part of his crew wounded and disabled, the young

132 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

captain attempted to capture this large vessel. The Reasonable^
however, escaped, but with immense loss; and the Topaze entered
the port of Lisbon amidst the acclamations even of our enemies.

'• Oh !" exclaimed Junot, after reading Captain Baudin's report of
these actions and striking the table forcibly with his hands. " Oh ',

if this young man had been at Finisterre, instead of that

Villeneuve !" When Captain Baudin returned to the drawing-room,
Junot ran to him and embraced him a second time. " You arc a
brave and loyal young man," said he, "I ask your friendship and I
offer you mine." This was not a common phrase with Junot. It
was but the second time I had heard him make use of it since my
marriage. On the first occasion, it was addressed to General Riche-
panse. The Topaze had suffered' so severely, that she required to be
completely refitted. Lisbon, being a neutral port, seemed admirably
adapted for this operation ; but, will it be believed, it was necessary
to resort to violence, to enable the frigate to remain there, whilst a
flotilla composed of six large vessels, and several small ones, lay at
anchor, before the Square of Commerce, as long as it was found con
venient. Is it surprising that this conduct should provoke revenge?
Is it wonderful that we should take reprisals when we have in our
hands overwhelming proofs of the ingratitude of the Portuguese
towards the man who devoted himself to the protection of their lives
and honour when his own safety was compromised, both as a private
individual and one entrusted with an immense responsibility ? Lis-
bon should not have raised her ungrateful voice so loudly. How
base and treacherous has been her ingratitude !

But why should I be surprised at the conduct of the Portuguese?
Have I not seen here, in France, one of Junot's old comrades permit
the publication of a work translated from the English, containing revolt-
ing falsehoods respecting my husband and Marshal Ney 1 This

work, which is the production of Colonel Napier, and which found grace
in the eyes of the minister for the war department, was presented
to me, to me the widow of Junot, as containing authentic documents.
I read in it an indecent attack upon the private character of a man
whose conduct as a soldier not even his enemies could traduce, in that
admirable affair of the convention of Cintra ; since the individuals
who signed it on the part of England were tried by a court-martial.
The fine lines of Childe Harold would in themselves suffice for the
glory of Junot, even though the original copy of that convention were
not in existence to prove it. Fortunately, I possess that original
document, and in both languages. It is not inserted in Colonel
Napier's work.

ATTITLiXE OF AUSTRIA. 133

On receiving intelligence of the affair of the Tojmze, Napoleon
immediately raised Captain Baudin to the rank of Capitaine de
Fregate. In the report which Junot transmitted to Paris, the Em-
peror remarked a circumstance which greatly pleased him : this was,
that Captain Baudin had adopted at sea the same method which ho,
Napoleon, employed in making an attack by land : he had taken
positions in which he could employ more guns than the enemy, and it
is well known that this was one of the Emperoi,'s favorite manoeuvres.
He remained several months in the port of Lisbon, because there was
an English cruiser at its entrance which he wished to avoid. He left
Lisbon after the unfortunate battle of Trafalgar. My husband was
much attached to Captain Baudin, who is one of those friends that
have remained faithful to me. The friendship I cherish ft r him
makes me feel the more indignant at the injustice with which he ha9
been treated. Napoleon, who so well knew how to appreciate talent,
and who never conferred distinctions except as the reward of real
merit, made Baudin a rear-admiral at an age when others of his pro-
fession scarcely attain the rank of captain. This is three and twenty
years ago, and he still remains what Napoleon made him.

I have already mentioned that a new continental coalition was
expected. While we were at Cintra, Junot one day received a letter
in the handwriting of the Emperor, which brought him very important
intelligence. On the horizon of Europe clouds were already gather-
ing in the direction of the North. This important period deserves a
brief retrospection. Of all the powers included in the coalition,
Austria was the one whose interests were most in danger. Her
states, reduced to one-half their former extent, wtre open on all sides.
Her federative power was annihilated in Germany, without the hope
of recovery ; and this same power was strongly menaced in Italy, and
even in part destroyed. Accordingly Austria took the alarm, for
with her the question was an affair of life or death. Napoleon's
coronation at Milan conveyed to Austria the last conviction that her
power was for ever annihilated in Italy, and that she had never been
beloved there — a fact sufficiently inexplicable to a sovereignty thai
was adored in its own hereditary states. Be this as it may, Austria
was really afraid ; she had not yet recovered from the shock of Ma-
rengo and Hohenlinden. She found herself, as it were, pressed between
the source of the Maine and the mouth of the l'o. It was necessary
to assume an imposing attitude, or slut was lost.

The violation of the treaty of Luneville was seized upon as a
pretext. It was alleged that, by virtue, of that treaty, Holland,
Switzerland, Lombard V, Genoa and Lucca, as well as Parma, had the

134 HAPOLEOBT, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

riirht of choosing constitutions for themselves, and that it was an
encroachment on that right to impose laws upon them. Reasoning
thus. Austria at length acceded to the treaty concluded between
St. Petersburgh and England on the 8th of April previous. She
immediately entered the field. General Klenau crossed the Inn and
invaded Bavaria. The Austrian army, eighty thousand strong, waa
commanded by the Archduke Ferdinand, under the tutelage of
General Mack, whilst thirty-five thousand men occupied the Tyrol,
under the command of the Archduke John; hus supporting the left
«>f General Klenau's army and the right of the army of Italy. The
latter, which was under the immediate command of Prince Charles,
was perhaps the most important of all, and consisted of one hundred
and ten thousand excellent troops. This force was advancing in good
order upon the Adige. France found herself again threatened on all
sides. The south of Europe alone continued faithful to her, and
therefore it was of the highest importance to preserve friendly rela-
tions between the courts of France and Lisbon. England made
superhuman efforts to stir up a quarrel, and a very trivial occurrence
well nigh enabled her to accomplish her object.

Junot went to visit Captain Baudin on board his frigate, and as
soon as he set foot on the deck, a salute of twenty-one guns was fired
in honour of him. It is not allowable to fire guns in a neutral port,
and the English affected to be very indignant at this violation of the
rule. They appeared much more mortified at it than the Prince
Regent of Portugal himself. Finding that they did not obtain what
they were pleased to call justice, they made our one-and-twenty guns
an excuse for firing two thousand as the signal of mourning on the
one side and rejoicing on the other, on the occasion of the battle of
Trafalgar. This powder cannonade was more insulting to the Prin-
cess of Brazil than to us, because she was a Spaniard ; but its object
was to insult France, and serious consequences would no doubt have
ensued had Junot been at that time in Lisbon. Fortunately he was
gallopping towards Moravia. His first impulse, which was always
violent when the honour of France was concerned, would doubtless
have been injurious to the feeble government of Portugal. M. de
Rayneval, who was no less susceptible but more calm, avoided a
rupture, to the great disappointment of the English.

I had been exceedingly ill for several months past, and my
medical attendants ordered me to go to a little miserable village,
called Caldas da Raynha, where there are some tepid springs, which
are said to possess wonderful medicinal virtues. Though I entertained
very little hope of deriving benefit from them, yet I set off, carried

JUNOT JOINS THE EMPEROR. 135

on a sort of litter, and arrived at Caldas da Raynha in such a weak
state, that at first I could take the waters only by spoonfuls. They
are warm, sulphuric, and at the same time tonic. My disorder was
a nervous affection of the pilorus, but so severe that I could not take
even a glass of eau sucree. The waters produced a wonderful effect
upon me, so that at the expiration of a week I was able to walk
in the royal quinta, and within a fortnight I eat a partridge for my
dinner. However, my convalescence was slow. One day, while
I was at Caldas da Raynha, Junot came to bid us farewell. The Em-
peror had kept his word, and had sent for him as soon as the first
cannon was fired. " Be speedy," said Duroc in his letter, " for I
have a presentiment that this campaign will not be a long one."

Junot immediately set off to join the Emperor wherever he might
be. M. de Talleyrand, who had written to desire Junot to give the
power of eharge-d'affaires to M. de Rayneval, mentioned in his letter
that I might, if I pleased, return to France, as it was known that I was
an invalid. Junot stayed but a few hours at Caldas. He returned to
Lisbon, where he mounted a post-horse and rode to Bayonnc. There
he procured a caleche, which conveyed him to Paris. He stayed
there four and twenty hours, after which he departed for Germany, in
a post-chaise, driving with the utmost speed. He joined Napoleon at
Brunn, in Moravia, on the 1st of December. The Emperor was
standing with Berthier, at a window looking towards the high road.
It was about half-past nine in the morning, and the weather was thick
and foggy. " Who have we here," said the Emperor, as he perceived
Junot advancing along the road. " It is a post-chaise. We do
not expect any news this morning." The chaise advanced rapidly,
and the Emperor, who kept his glass pointed at it, at length ex-
claimed, " It is a general officer. If the thing were possible, I should
think it was Junot. On what day did you write, Berthier?" Ber-
thier informed him. "Then it cannot be he," continued Napoleon.
" He has twelve hundred leagues to travel, and with the utmost pos-
sible speed he could not arrive."

The aide-de-camp on duty entered, and announced General Junot.
"Par Dieu," said Napoleon running up to him, "you are the man for
affairs like this ! To arrive on the eve of a great battle, after I ravel-
ling twelve hundred leagues, and i" leave an embassy for the cannon's
mouth. To complete the business, you have only to be wounded in
to-morrow's battle." " I expect it, Sire; but I hope it will be with
the last ball," replied Junot, laughing. "The Russians musl let. me
perform my duty to your Majesty." " Faith," said the Emperor,
u it is the only duty that is left for you. You have come too late.

136 NAPOLEON, niS COURT AND FAMILY.

Every mips has got a commander, even your brave grenadiers of
Arras, and they have a very able one." "I know it," replied Junot,
'• and I do not regret his appointment, for I know he will lead them to
victory. But. Sire, I am too happy in serving as your aide-de-camp,
as I did in Italy. It is a happy augury."

The Emperor shook his head, but his air of doubt was not dis
eouraging ; he smiled, and his simile always inspired confidence. lie
walked about the room with a calmness calculated to encourage the
most timid. He asked Junot how he had left me, and whether my
illness was caused by jealousy of the Princess of Brazil. Junot burst
into a fit of laughter. " Is she really so ugly as she is described ?"
resumed the Emperor. "Is she uglier than her sister of Etruria?
Surely that is not possible." " Sire, she is uglier than any thing you
can possibly imagine." " What, more so than the Queen of Etruria ?"
" Much, sire." " And the Prince Regent V " In the first place, sire,
he is a perfect fool ; and as to his personal appearance, your Majesty
may judge of that from the description which my wife drew of him
in two words, and which I assure you is exceedingly accurate. She
observed that the Prince of Brazil was like a bull, whose mother had
been frightened by an ourang-outang." " Did she really say that,"
resumed the Emperor, laughing immoderately, "petite peste?* And
is it true V '; Perfectly true, sire."

The Emperor then asked Junot a multitude of questions respect-
ing the royal families of Spain and Portugal, and that at a moment
when his mind must have been engrossed by thoughts of a different
and more important nature. But everything was wonderful in that
wonderful man.

* A name by which the Emperor frequently called mi in his momenta <»f
good huiMOur,

STORM ON THE TAGUS. 137

CHAPTER XIY

Dangerous passage across the Tagus — Narrow escape — The battle of Trafalgar
— Celebration of the event by the English at Lisbon — Villeneuvc's incapacity
— Disastrous results of the battle — Napoleon's brilliant campaign in Ger-
many— Series of victories — Capture of Ulm — Battle of Austerlitz — Enthu-
siastic attachment of the soldiers to Napoleon — Armistice — Napoleon enjoya
the fruits of his glory — Marriage of Eugene — My audience at the court of
Lisbon before my departure — Conversation with the Duke de Cadaval.

After Junot left his diplomatic post, to assist in gaining fresh tri-
umphs for the country he so dearly loved, several unfortunate and
jnlooked for events occurred. The battle of Trafalgar, that disastrous
conflict which extinguished the last gleams of our maritime glory,
happened about this time : I was at Lisbon. I saw the consequences
of that event unclouded by the illusion with which flattery sought to
conceal the disaster — a disaster so at variance with the glories of
Austerlitz.

I was on my way back to Lisbon from Caldas da Raynha after
my recovery, and on reaching the Tagus, went on board one of the
royal escaleres, which was prepared for my accommodation. This
was on the 21st of October. The weather, which at first had been
exceedingly fine, became all of a sudden overcast, and soon fell to a
dead calm. As we had twenty rowers this mattered little, especially
as we were descending the river. But a most violent storm presently
burst upon us, raging with such increasing fury that we were at length
in extreme danger.

For two hours the wind raged furiously, and our yacht was some-
times driven aground so violently that we feared she would go to
pieces. Fortunately my little daughter was not with me, so thai I
had only my own safety to think of, and that did not very greatly
concern me. However, I had just been so very near death, thai I
felt existence was worth caring for. I was then but twenty years of
age, and it is hard to die a violent death so early. But I recollect 1
was quite resigned. A dispute between M. Magnien and M. de
Chervnl, informed rne that the former had, contrary to the opinion <>f
the barge-master, insisted on our returning by water. The master
became uneasy, and on my questioning him, frankly admitted the

L38 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

danger we were in. As he was speaking, the clouds closed over us
with such rapidity, that the banks of the river disappeared from our
view in an instant. The master ordered the sail to he unfurled,
which was no sooner done than a dreadful hlast rent it in two. The
lurch was so violent at that moment that we were within an ace of
being upset. M. Magnien was perfectly bewildered. He kept
traversing the little cabin of the barge, into which the waves forced
themselves through the windows, wringing his hands, and reproaching
himself for having been the cause of our peril. Presently, the mastei
came down to us, looking agitated and pale. " Our oars are broken,"
said he, " the sail is torn, and I cannot answer for your safety. We are
now opposite Saccavin. If you like, I will endeavour to land there "
"By all means," cried I, half killed by the pitching of the boat.

All the efforts of our twenty rowers were at first of no avail. The
wind blew with such violence, that wre were constantly driven back
into the middle of the river covered with the surge, which forced
itself over the sides of the yacht. At length, however, the promise
of a rich reward, joined to a natural solicitude for their own safety,
animated the men, and after the most laborious exertion, they suc-
ceeded. We were brought on shore, at about two hundred paces
from the landing place. Four of the boatmen carried me over the
shallows, and I was taken to a house at Saccavin, where I was pro-
vided with a fire and a change of clothes. I then despatched an
express to Lisbon for my carriage, and on that same evening I was
seated in the little yellow drawing-room of my hotel in Lisbon, with
my daughter on my knee, surrounded by my friends, and perfectly
happy. Ah ! how often have I reproached myself for the happiness I
enjoyed that evening! .... It was the day of the battle of Trafalgar!

Five days had elapsed since my return. The stormy weather
had passed away, and the blue sky of Lisbon again appeared. The
autumnal sun, more glowing than that which warms the summer
of our climate, now again shone forth in cloudless glory. We had
arranged a little excursion in the country with the Lebzelterns, when
enc morning I was awakened by the firing of guns, which shook the
frail walls of our hotel. The reports followed each other with such
rapidity, that I knew not what to think of it. I sent to M. de Ray-
neval, but he had gone out. Indeed, every body was abroad making
inquiries. M. de Rayneval was the only person who had learned the
news, and he had gone immediately to M. d'Araujo. Intelligence of
the battle of Trafalgar* had arrived at Lisbon during the night. The

* Trafalgar is ten leagues south-east of Cadiz.

DEFEAT OF VILLENEUVE. 139

port was crowded with English vessels, and without regard to the
neutrality of the place, without regard to the Princess of Brazil, who,
as infanta of Spain, had lost by the disaster even more than France,
the English vessels immediately began firing in celebration of their
victory, just as if they had been in Portsmouth harbour; with their
demonstrations of joy, signs of grief were mingled. The victory was
dearly won. Nelson was no more !

On his return, M. de Rayneval told us the news. He was over-
whelmed with grief at the disastrous event, happening as it did at the
very moment our arms promised such success, — an event, too, which
the enemy and the elements combined to follow up with such mur-
derous and general destruction ! He described the dreadful conflict
to me, for he could not bear to read it over again. It was, indeed,
horrible ! What a wretch must that admiral be, thought I ! . . . . He
has been the cause of this catastrophe, this scene of carnage, this
second act and conclusion of the tragedy of Quiberon, this ruin and
destruction of our naval power. The Emperor is reported to have
cried out in his sleep, after he heard of the defeat of Villeneuve by
Admiral Calder : —

"Varus, rends-moi mes legions."

The brilliant affair of Captain Baudin had not rendered this news
less bitter to Napoleon. He immediately ordered Admiral Ville-
i.euve to be superseded by Admiral Rosilly. Villeneuve had previ-
ously fallen into disgrace ; for it was he who at the battle of the Nile
remained quietly at anchor. He was patronized by Decres, who
always protected the unworthy and never the deserving. When
Decres was informed of the Emperor's determination, he wrote to
Villeneuve to this effect: — "I delay the official announcement of
Rosilly having superseded you. Manage to get under weigh before
it reaches you. Seek the enemy, and if you should have a successful
engagement, you will be pardoned. You must risk all to gain all."*
On receiving this letter, which informed him of his well-merited dis-
grace, Villeneuve saw that he must escape his dishonour at any risk.
In his character of commander-in-chief of the combined squadron, ho
summoned on board his ship all the Spanish commanders, at the head
of whom was the brave Gravina, the boast of the Spanish navy.
Villeneuve announced to them his intention of procee ling out, of the
way. Gravina objected to the proposition m the ground of its im-

* I know the officer wlio curried (his < 1 i s | u i f < • 1 1 . Many months after, by •
•lingular accident, lie became acquainted with it- contents.

140 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AXD FAMILY.

practicability. Villeneuve replied to him in an abusive strain. "
shall demand satisfaction for this, after the battle," rejoined Gravina.
" ^ e must be off it seems ; may God protect us, for we are going to
our destruction !"

A illeneuve was impelled by his evil genius. He was equally deaf
to the remonstrances of the officers of the French fleet. The brave
and skilful Rear-Admiral Magon, the old friend of my family, in vain
enforced Gravina's arguments. The English fleet commanded by
Admiral Nelson, that enemy of the French, whom he hated as cor-
dially as Hannibal hated the Romans, consisted of twenty-eight
vessels, nine of which were three-deckers. The combined fleet
included' eighteen French and fifteen Spanish ships. It consisted of
one vessel of a hundred and thirty guns (the Santa-Trinidada), two of
a hundred guns, two of eighty-four, three of eighty, one of sixty-four,
and twenty -four others, each twenty-four guns ! What a noble fleet !
In this united force there was power sufficient to crush the English
fleet. But instead of being victorious, ours was destroyed, through
the most unskilful manoeuvres. The courage and ability of some of
our officers, it is true, present examples almost equal to the fabulous
achievements recorded by Plutarch of the heroes of antiquity. A
storm as dreadful as any which had occurred in the memory of the
oldest sailor added its horrors to those of the conflict. The lightning
vied with the flashes of the guns, and its lurid glare afforded the dying
the consolation of seeing that it dealt its shafts impartially. Our tri-
coloured flag, alas ! suffered most during those fatal days, for the
horrid conflict raged two days and a night. We had five vessels
taken ! three sunk during the action ! three blown up ! one (that
commanded by Rear-admiral Magon*), borne down upon by the
enemy and her deck covered with the slain, was blown up by her own
crew to escape the disgrace of surrendering ! Thus did I lose a friend
of my early childhood ! Ten other vessels ran ashore on different
parts of the coast. One was wrecked at a distance of thirty-twc
leagues from Trafalgar, at Cape St. Vincent, near Lagos ; but she con-
tained only the dead and dying. Only nine vessels re-entered Cadiz.
As to tli 3 Admiral, it was natural to expect that he must have been
killed in the battle, or at least that one of the thunderbolts which rent
the air on every side must have lighted on his head ! But no ! he
was taken ! he was made prisoner ! He delivered up his sword
amidst the groans of the dying and the wounded, who with their last

* L'Achille, Rear-admiral Magon was determined not to surrender. " I w;u
taken once," he used to say to me, " but it shall be the last time."

SUCCESS OF THE FRENCH ARMY. 141

breath vented imprecations on him as the author of their misfortunes.
I am but a woman ! yet methinks, were I placed in a like situation, a
pistol should have settled all my accounts in this world.

The consequences of this battle of Trafalgar were most dreadful.
I was then in the habit of seeing men capable of judging of the extent
of the disaster, and who considered it not even balanced by the Em-
peror's victories. Napoleon was not irritated, but profoundly grieved
at the battle of Trafalgar.

While the straits of Gibraltar were reddened with French blood,
Napoleon was leading our eagles to victory on the plains of Ulm.
The grand French army, composed of seven different corps, under
Bernadotte, Marmont, Davoust, Soult, Lannes, Ney, and Augereau,
with Murat at the head of the cavalry, and an immense reserve of
artillery and cavalry, was advancing with giant strides upon Austria.
Every thing had been prepared with such ability, that nothing was
wanting in the hour of need. Treaties were every where signed
against France ; yet she, ever great and powerful, smiled at all the
projects formed against her, as a giant smiles at the efforts of pigmies.
The Kings of Naples, Spain, and some portions of Germany, alone
remained faithful to us. All at once, as if by a mandate from Hea-
ven, the French army was set in motion. It advanced, and kingdoms
fell before it. Its course was marked by the destruction of all that
opposed its progress. In the space of one month, after the occupation
of Weissembourg, or rather from the 3d to the 20th of October,
1805, the French army pursued its victorious course as follows:

Whilst Napoleon dismayed Austria, and secured the tranquillity
of the debouches of the Tyrol, by the rapidity of his movements, and
the skill of his manoeuvres, every day brought us a fresh victory. I
shall, therefore, speak of battles only, without adding the word victory,
that being always understood. To begin with Werthingen : Murat
has frequently been said to have won this battle. This is a mistake,
the glory of it belongs to General Oudinot and the brave grenadiers
of Arras. After the battle of Werthingen, came the battle of Gunt-
bourg, in which Marshal Ney defeated the Archduke Ferdinand: then
the occupation of Augsbourg by Marshal Soult: then the occupation
of Munich by Bernadotte: then the capture of Memingen by Soult,
who made 4,000 prisoners. These events were succeeded by the
famous battle of Elchingcn, at which Marshal Ney made 3,000
prisoners, and who, by taking of the bridge of Elchingen, mainly
insured the success of the campaign, and especially the capture of the
garrison of Ulm. Then followed the battle of Langenau, in which
Murat made 3,000 prisoners. And lastly, on the 20th October,

U2 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

seventeen 'lavs after the occupation of Weissembourg, Ulm capitulated,
while Mack, the quarter-master-general, was within its walls.* The
Archduke Ferdinand had escaped with a party of cavalry. In Ulm
were found immense magazines, thirty thousand men in garrison,
seventy pieces of cannon mounted, three thousand horses, and twenty
generals ; these last were allowed their liberty on parole. In these
seventeen days, Austria lost fifty-five thousand prisoners, and almost
the whole of her artillery and baggage. The wreck of her army was
obliged to retire behind the Inn, where Napoleon immediately came
up with it, The Emperor of Russia had an interview ..t Berlin with
the King of Prussia: In order to render their union the more solemn,
the two voung Sovereigns swore, on the tomb of the great Frederick,
to maintain a fraternal alliance for the extermination of France.

After the brilliant affair of Ulm, the French army passed the Inn,
and Marshal Lannes took Branau ; the very place in which, five years
after, the Archduchess Maria Louisa consigned herself to the fair hands
of the Queen of Naples, to become Empress of France, and Napoleon's
wife ! Salzbourg was next taken, by Lannes. In Italy, Massena
sustained, as he always did. the honour of French arms. Vicenza and
Verona fell into our hands. The Archduke Charles, having obtained
a momentary advantage at Caldiero, paid for his transient triumph by
an immediate retreat upon Palma Nova. Marmont reached Leoben,
in Styria, and while the Emperor was entering Vienna, the. Taglia-
mento was crossed by our victorious troops. The Russians, astonished
at the rapidity of our triumphs, proposed an armistice. Murat ac-
cepted it on condition of its meeting with the Emperor's sanction.
Napoleon rejected it, and commanded the French army to pursue its
march. Presburg was occupied by Davoust's corps. While these
events were proceeding in Austria, the army of Italy passed the
Izonza ; took Gradisca and Udine. Palma Nova, with its numerous
magazines, fell in its turn. Marshal Augereau crossed the Black
Forest, took Lindau and Bregentz, obliged General Jellachich, wilh
six thousand men, to capitulate and the French became masters of
all the Voralberg. It seemed as if at the blast of our victorious
trumpet, towns opened their gates, ramparts crumbled, and troops
laid down their arms.

While his lieutenants were seconding him with the ardent spirit
which then animated every man in the army, Napoleon advanced into
Moravia. Bu.xhowden had formed a junction with Kutusow, and the

* This important result was as much the consequence of the incapacity o.
Mack, as the great military talents of Napoleon.

THE BATTLE OF AUSTERLITZ. 143

..alter general became commander-in-chief of the whole allied force.
But Napoleon did not allow him time to arrange new plans. He
took Brunn, the capital of Moravia, and the point of union for all the
magazines of the combined army. He then made himself master of
Trieste. A corps of 8,000 men, under the command of the Prince of
Rohan, driven from the Tyrol by Ney, endeavoured to reach Venice.
They were routed in turn by Regnier, Ney and Gouvion St. Cyr, and
after flying from defeat to defeat, and fighting every where against
their fellow-countrymen, they terminated their career by a capitulation.
At length, on the 2d December, the three Emperors appeared at the
head of their armies. The Russians numbered seventy -five thousand
effective troops ; the Austrians, thirty-five thousand ; with a cavalry
force far superior to ours. We counted but eighty -five thousand men.
The battle of Austerlitz is one of the most glorious monuments of
Napoleon's fame. On that field, as in Italy, he beat the enemy with
an inferior force, and by his superiority of military skill. But even
there he was pursued by the envious hatred which finally rivetted the
chains at St. Helena. Lannes commanded the left wing of the army,
having General Suchet under him. Soult led the right wing, Berna-
dotte the centre, and Davoust commanded a corps of observation.
The cavalry was placed under the command of Murat, and twenty-
four pieces of light artillery supported Lannes' right. Oudinot formed
the reserve, with the grenadiers of Arras, and Junot was to support
that reserve with six battalions of the guard. Napoleon, from an
eminence, took a view of the enemy's forces on the morning of the
battle. He was accompanied by a young page, who is now a colonel
in one of our regiments ; his name is M. de Galtz de Malvirade. The
Emperor rested his glass on the shoulder of the youth, and for
seven or eight minutes attentively watched Kutusow ordering the
position of his troops. What he saw afforded him the most perfect
satisfaction, for he smiled, and his countenance wore the expression
of perfect serenity. He closed the ^lass, and observed to Junot, who
was standing near him: — " It is well ; they are doing exactly what 1
want."

The battle of Austerlitz, which commenced at sunrise, and did not
terminate till nightfall, is a memorable proof of Napoleon's talent,
and of the courage of his troops. I have no objection to admit that
the enemy's folly also contributed to his sunrss. The battle of
Austerlitz was a complete humiliation to the Russians and the
Austrians. Junot, who never lefl the Emperor's side dining the
whole of the action, has often described to me the conduct of that
extraordinary man during those hours when his destiny depended

144 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

upon defeat or victory * To render justice to all, it must be allowed,
that Marshal Soult gave evidence of superior courage and talent. For
sewn hours he maintained an attack, as suddenly conceived as it was
vigorously executed, and to which, according to Junot, the success of
the day was mainly owing. I know not whether the Moniteur made
specific mention of this at the time, but I find the circumstance set
down in my notes, for Junot attached considerable importance to it,
frequently declaring that it had considerable influence on the result of
the battle. The loss of the allies was immense ; a hundred and fifty-
five pieces of cannon, flags innumerable, whole parks of artillery, and
forty thousand men, either killed, wounded, or taken prisoners. At
Austerlitz, the cuirassiers, for the first time, were seen to charge
batteries.

The night before the battle, the Emperor directed Junot, Duroc,
and Berthier, to put on their cloaks and follow7 him, as he was going
round to see that all was arranged as he wished. It was eleven o'clock,
the bivouac fires were surrounded by soldiers, among whom there
were many of the brave guards wrho were afterwards nicknamed the
Grognards.] It was the 1st of December, and the weather was very
severe, but none cared for it. They were singing and talking, and
many of them were engaged in recounting the splendid victories of
Italy and of Egypt. The Emperor, wrapt up in his redingote grise,
passed along unperceived, behind the groups, in which were hearts
devoted, not only to him and his glory, but to the glory of our arms.
He listened to their conversation, smiled, and seemed greatly affected.
Suddenly he passed a bivouac, the fire of which, gleaming full in his
face, discovered him. "The Emperor!" exclaimed the whole group.
" Vive VEmpereur! Vive VEmpereur /" responded the next. Along
the whole line, in the bivouac, and under the tents, the cry of Vii>e
VEmpereur ! passed from mouth to mouth, and rent the air. The
fires were immediately deserted, for the soldiers rushed forward to
behold their well beloved chief. They took the straw from their
beds, and lighting it, made torches with which they illumined the
gloom of the night: still shouting Vive VEmpereur ! with that heart-
felt enthusiasm, which neither authority, seduction nor corruption, can
ever repress. Napoleon was moved . . . . " Enough, my lads ! enough
of this!'' he said. But these proofs of attachment afforded him the
liveliest pleasure, and his heart responded to them. — "Ah! you seek

* The French army had, some time previously, been spread through Moravia,
and its line being so much extended, was in proportion diminished in strength,
f Grumblers.

THE OLD GRENADIER. 1-lc

glory !" exclaimed an old soldier, with mustachios which seemed never
to have been cut since the first passage of the Alps. " Well ! to-
morrow the good soldiers of the guar] will purchase it to crown youi
anniversary !" — " What are you growling about under those thick
mustachios?" said the Emperor, approaching the old grenadier, with
one of those smiles which in him were so captivating. The grenadier,
like most of his comrades, held in his hand a torch of straw, whose
light revealed his swarthy scarred face, the expression of which was at
that moment most remarkable. His eyes were filled with tears,
while a smile of joy at sight of the Emperor was playing on his hard
but manly features. The Emperor repeated his question. — " Faith,
my General, that is Siref replied the soldier. " I only say that we
will thrash those rascals of Russians : that is, if you desire it, for
discipline before every thing. So, Vive I 'Emperenr /" and thus fresh
shouts conveyed to the Russians their death warrant, for troops so
animated could never be subdued. It was, however, found necessary
to order the soldiers to put out their straw torches, for their cartridge
boxes being filled, an accident might possibly have happened.

The Emperor of Austria, it is well known, came to Napoleon at
his bivouac, for the purpose of asking for peace. M. d'Haugwitz, the
Minister of the King of Prussia, was sent to our Emperor. lie had,
it is said, two letters in his pocket. Junot, who regarded him, perhaps,
with an eye of prejudice, maintained that this fact was not doubtful,
because d'Haugwitz searched a long time for the packet, which the
issue of the battle had rendered the right one, or rather the wrong
one, for his master. He made strange grimaces; "in short," said
Junot, " I did not like his countenance." It is a fact, that on receiving
the letter from his brother of Prussia, Napoleon smiled and said, very
pointedly: " Here is a compliment, of which the fortune of war has
changed the address." The battle of Austerlitz not only terminated
the campaign of 180.V- but also put an end to the triple continental
coalition.

At length Napoleon reposed in the full blaze of his glory. The
drum had ceased to beat; the eagle had closed his wings, and peace
prevailed. We enjoyed the climax of our triumph, when we saw
Napoleon seated upon that throne to which he had been raised by the
voice of the. nation. After signing the treaty of peace which restored
to the Emperor of Austria his stales and his subjects, Napoleon

* At this an armistice only was agreed t<>: and the first thing demanded was
the evacuation of (lie Austrian slates, by Hie Russian troops. They were re-
quire! to retire bythe Krapack mountains, by daily marches in thiee columns,
am] in a way prescribed by the Emperor Napoleon.

49

146 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

proceeded to Munich, and married Prince Eugene to the daughter of
the King of Bavaria. Prince Eugene was a most amiable as well aa
a very handsome young man. Junot, who was affectionately attached
to him, wrote to me, at Lisbon, all the particulars of his marriage.
This union, I know not why, met with strong opposition on the part
of the Queen of Bavaria, who was the mother-in-law of the Prince
Royal and of the Princess Amelia.* However, the marriage took
place, and gave occasion to a succession of very brilliant entertain-
ments, which I did not see, because I was then on my way home
from Lisbon to Prance. The cause of my long and severe illness
was pregnancy ; and as soon as I was able to undertake the journey,
I determined to return to Prance. I requested an audience of the
Princess of Brazil, who immediately granted it. Perhaps our re-
cent victories in Germany had something to do with this ready
acquiescence.

The Princess received me in a cabinet, into which none were
admitted but her personal favourites. She was surrounded by her
young family, and the interesting group gave her almost an air of
beauty. One of the Infantas was truly pretty, viz. Donna Isabella,
who afterwards married Ferdinand VII. She was then a mere child ;
but a very engaging creature. The Princess treated me with great
courtesy. She spoke to me of my pregnancy, and proposed to stand
godmother to the child. She had mentioned her intention of doing
me this honour before, when Junot took his leave of her and the
Prince at Maffra. I acknowledged as became me this mark of royal
favour. But I was somewhat more embarrassed with her next offer,
which was the cross of St. Elizabeth. I replied much in the same
manner as Junot had done on a similar occasion. I said that as the
Empress Josephine wore no orders herself, the ladies of her court
could not wear any. I added that before the Revolution no dis-
tinctive symbols were worn by the ladies in France : with the
exception perhaps of canonesses and the females of the family
of the grand-master of Malta, as for instance the Noailles and othtrs.

The Princess of Brazil was very lively, but I think very ignorant.
She gazed at me with a singular expression while I was speaking to
her, and seemed to follow my words one by one as if to catch their
sense. " But," said she in a tone of voice which had in it something
of bitter sweet, " I do not think the Empress will refuse to accept

* Junot, who bated imperious women, especially when they conceived they
bad a right to he imperious, nevertheless confessed that the Queen of Bavaria
was very handsome.

MY FINAL AUDIENCE AT THE COURT. 147

the cross of St. Elizabeth, if I offer it to her. General Junot is the
bearer of a letter from the Prince and one from me, in which we beg
her acceptance of it. Should she accept it, you can have no reason
for not wearing it." I replied that I had an earnest wish to wear the
order, which in fact was true, I never had a stronger wish for any
thing than to possess a decoration. That of St. Elizabeth was beauti-
ful. It was a white and red ribbon terminated by an enamelled
portrait of the holy aunt of our Saviour. The decoration of Maria-
Louisa, which is a white and violet ribbon, is less pretty, especially
for a female. I cannot help remarking as a singular circumstance,
the scruples which both Junot and I expressed to accept favours,
which in general are so eagerly sought after. For my part, I wished
with all my heart to wear the order ; but it was different with Junot :
he had an objection to the order of Christ.

My conversation with the Princess was long and very condescend-
ing on her part. She talked to me with a sort of grace which
reminded me of her mother. The Empress Josephine seemed to be
a particular object of curiosity with both these Princesses. They
evidently wished that I should be very communicative on the subject;
but I contrived to maintain that sort of reserve which for more
reasons than one became me. I therefore only touched in a general
way on the subjects of Malmaison, St. Cloud, and the very social
mode of life led by the Emperor, the Empress, the Prince Louis, the
Prince Eugene, &c. As I spoke, I observed that the countenance of
the Princess of Brazil became more and more repulsive; a malicious
expression seemed to overspread her singularly ugly features. She
had that sort of disposition which becomes dreadful in its results when
combined with a narrow and illiberal mind. Ever since the battle
of Trafalgar she had stood in a humiliating situation at her own
court. Her pride had been wounded, and though she could neither
give her ill humour vent nor accuse any body for her misfortunes,
yet she nevertheless longed to do so. 1 perceived her chagrin, whilst
bhe innocently believed she was all amiability in my eyes. How she

detested the Emperor !

Our conversation turned upon French fashions. I said that- with
her permission, I would do myself the honour of sending her patterns
of every elegant fashion prevailing in Paris, after my arrival there.
" And will you not send me any thing1?" inquired the young Princess,
when I approached her to take my leave. I understood sufficient
Portuguese to comprehend this simple question, and I replied that
[ should have the. honour of sending her royal highness a line!- doll
than ever Prince Lutin conjured up with his magic rose. I\I\ .nidi

148 NAPOLEON', HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

ence was, as I have stated, a very long one. The weather being had,
the Princess could not go to hunt, and it became, therefore, necessary
to kill time. I staid with her a full half hour. A fortnight afterwards,
when I was on the point of departing, I had another audience. This
was very brief, but still of the same friendly description.

I frequently received letters from Paris and Germany, communi-
cating the events I have related. It may easily be conceived that I
was much gratified by these communications, especially at a moment
when the enemies of France were on the increase. I was much
amused sometimes by the hypocritical compliments I received on the
success of the French arms. One day when the Duke de Cadaval
was dining with me, he said with an air of confidence, "Now I see
how it is, come tell me frankly : Bonaparte has bought over Mack ;
has he not?" I pretended not to understand him. "What do you
say, Monsieur le Due1?" inquired 1. He looked embarrassed. "I
was saying," he stammered out, "that I thought the Emperor Napo-
leon had bribed General Mack." The idea was so stupid, and at the
same time so malicious, that I could not refrain from bursting into a
fit of laughter, which not a little disconcerted my politician. Thus it
was that those great events, those splendid achievements of genius,
were appreciated in Portugal in the year 1806 !

CHAPTER XV.

?ete on board the Topaze — Superb appearance of the Frigate — Festivities —
Sham fight — Gaiety of the Nuncio — Sacrifices to Bacchus — His humane
interference on behalf of an old fortune-teller — My arrival at Madrid-
Gloomy events at Madrid — Mysterious death of the Princess of the Asturiaa
— Suspicion of poison — Alameda — Departure for Paris — Public opinion of
France in favour of Napoleon — Death of Mr. Pitt — Napoleon's animosity
towards him — Libels on both sides — Sensation produced in Spain and France
by Mi Pitt's death — Escape of a French prisoner from England — His state-
ments reported to the Emperor — My return to Paris — A^isit to the Empress
— Her breakfasts — Stephanie de Beauharnais, her niece — Audience with
Madame Merc — Receipt of an unexpected Sani.

• was now on the point of leaving Lisbon to return to Paris; but
Captain Baudin, who was still in the Tagus, where he had repaired his
frigate, wished to give me an entertainment before I left. Every
person connected with the diplomatic corps, and maintaining friendly

THE BREAKFAST ON THE TAGUS. 149

relations with us, was invited to meet me, besides many Portuguese
of distinction. The captain had invited M. de Araujo, but in his rank
of minister for foreign affairs he could not be present at an entertain-
ment given in the port of Lisbon, and at which the health of the
Emperor Napoleon would of course be drunk with enthusiasm. This
was at all events the real reason of his declining the invitation ; the
pretended reason was the arrival of some despatches. The person
who contributed most largely to the amusement of the company, was
Galeppi, the Nuncio. He wore what in Italy is called a country
costume, that is, a sort of great coat of violet>coloured taffeta, trimmed
with gold lace ; and as we were not on terra firma, he conceived him-
self privileged to behave as he pleased. The dejeuner scene was sin-
gularly diverting, as we shall presently see.

I reached the quay of the Square of Commerce at eleven o'clock.
There I found the captain's gig, with twelve rowers dressed in white
trowsers and blue jackets. I was accompanied by M. de Rayneval,
my daughter, who was then four years old, her governess, and M.
Magnien. On reaching the Topaze, which lay at anchor off the quay
of Soudres, I was received by the captain and his officers. The
Spanish Ambassador and the Nuncio were already arrived ; and the
gallant captain conducted us over his vessel. To me this was a curious
and a novel sight. The captain's cabin was so elegantly fitted up that
it might have served as the boudoir of a Parisian lady. It was
wainscoted with Brazil and other woods, remarkable both for their
rarity and fine odour, and every part of the furniture was in the most
perfect taste. A magnificent dejeuner was prepared for the company.
Captain Baudin managed every thing with that courtesy which enhances
the value of a reception. I have uniformly remarked that officers of
the navy and army are ever more solicitous and attentive than other
gentlemen when in the company of ladies. A fine band played while
we sat at breakfast; but presently our ears were greeted with a dif-
ferent sort of harmony. Several toasts were drunk ; first, the Pope,
then the Emperor, the King of Spain, the Queen of Portugal, the
Prince and Princess of Brazil, and lastly the King of Holland. Each
toast was succeeded by loud hurras, and the firing of five-aiid-1 wenl y
guns. The noise was so terrific that I almost fancied myself in the
infernal regions. My ears, however, soon grew familiar with it, and
it even pleased me. But this uproar was nothing to that which fol-
lowed. As I had often wished to be enabled to form a good idea of
a naval battle, Captain Baudin got up a sham fight, for my amusement,
and it was so admirably managed that the illusion was ibr a moment
terrific: the frigate, in consequence of the damage she had sustained in

L50 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

her late engagements, had required to be new masted ; the yards and
topmasts were up; but not being completely rigged, it was easy to
make them tall as if broken by the enemies' balls. Almost all the
population of Lisbon had assembled at the water-side, to view the
Bpectacle. We thus had our revenge that day, and the shouts of Vive
VJEmpereur compensated for the hurras that had been given fur the
battle of Trafalgar.

The Nuncio contributed very largely to the imusement of the
day. Monsignore was at first a little stunned by the guns which
were fired in honour of the toasts. The Pope's health was the first
toast, and the Nuncio did full honour to it by drinking off* three
glasses of Madeira, probably to fortify his nerves. Then he drank
Port for the Emperor's health, Carcavello for the King of Spain's,
Oyeras for the Prince of Brazil's, and so on, until from health to
health he came to mine. This was the coup-de-grace, the Nuncio's
head began to betray symptoms not strictly apostolical. The frigate,
though at anchor, nevertheless had that slight rocking which is always
perceptible in a vessel when lying in rough water like the Tagus. To
behold Monsignore Galeppi, that pink of fineness, that leader of the
Machiavelic science of the Vatican, in the situation above alluded to,
was a sight never to be forgotten. In plain terms, Monsignore Galeppi
was completely tipsy ; he laughed, looked round with his little eyes,
and blabbered things which greatly scandalized his official attache, the
Auditore. The latter behaved with all due propriety, but as to the
Nuncio, his tongue ran on beyond all bounds. " These do^s of
English must all be annihilated," he exclaimed, filling up a bumper
of wine — " they are a set of infidels. Vive his Imperial and Royal
Majesty, Napoleon, Emperor of France, and King of Italy ?" He
handed a glass of Madeira to me that I might drink the toast; I
excused myself, being a rigid water drinker, but he nevertheless
extended his violet taffeta sleeve, exclaiming : " Vive Sa Majeste
l Empereur Napoleon!" Then, with his husky voice, he attempted
to sing.

He was a most original character; but nevertheless a very intelli-
gent man, and free from priestly superstition when he could act
according to the dictates of his own understanding. A curious cir-
cumstance occurred while I was in Lisbon, which, thanks to Junot
and Galeppi, was attended by no serious consequence. An old
woman, who associated with her more regular calling of orange
and pilchard selling, that of a fortune-teller, was applied to by a
drunken German soldier, for the exercise of her divining skill. He
had mortally wounded a rival, in a fit of jealousy, and, apprehensive

PRINCESS OF THE ASTURIAS. 151

of the consequences, was anxious to consult his fate, thinking that b^
being apprised of it beforehand, he might avert condign punishment by
running away. The woman perceiving his wretched state of intoxica-
tion, declined the consideration of his case until the following day. A
crowd having collected, the soldier became greatly excited, and acci-
dentally stumbling, fell with some force on the ground, and became
insensible. On coming to himself, he declared that on attempting to
seize the old wcman, he saw the devil at her side who felled him with
a club. This was too good a bonne-bouche to escape the attention of
the monks. Through their bribery, and probably their threats, the
soldier persisted in the truth of his statement, and the unfortunate
beldame was confined in the dungeons of the Inquisition. She was
luckily rescued from further molestation by Junot, who was cordially
assisted by Galeppi in the business, though he was somewhat afraid
his interference should be known at Rome. To crown the absurdity,
the soldier became a monk of one of the most austere con.ents in
Lisbon.

On my departure from Lisbon, I proceeded straight to Madrid,
where I took up my residence at my old abode, Alphonso Pignatelli's
pretty little house. Awful and ill-boding events were passing at this
juncture within the palace of the Kings of Castile. Much had been
said of the enmity borne by the Prince of the Asturias to Manuel
Godoy. That enmity, if it had its origin in the ill-treatment to which
the Prince of the Peace insolently subjected the son of the King, as
well as a Princess, whose amiability rendered her admired and be-
loved— if, I repeat, the enmity was grounded on this — it was entirely
justifiable. Kings and Princes are but mortals, and are, like other
men, influenced by human passions.

The Princess of the Asturias was on her death-bed, expiring
amidst tortures so frightful, that, being one day at the Sitio, I could
no longer endure the sound of her piercing shrieks. I was much
attached to the Princess, and should have liked to have paid a visit to
her at this moment; but all my efforts to obtain permission were
ineffectual. During my long sojourn at Madrid, I frequently sol icited
leave to make this visit, not only from respect to the Princess, but
because 1 wished to see the Prince of the Asturias, whom I was sure
of finding at his wife's bedside, which he never quitted, day or night.
I had, in fact, received from Paris some secret instructions, in which I
was desired to do something which unfortunately I was unable to
effect. This occasioned my protracted stay at Madrid, a circumstance
which some persons have thought proper to attribute to my love of
pleasure. This, indeed, would have more naturally hurried me back

[52 NAPOLEON, HIS COl M AND FAMILY.

t-j Paris. The fact is, that reasons which I cannot divulge, but which
were of the highest importance, with reference to the situation of the
royal family of Spain, detained me at Madrid.

Strange reports were circulated respecting the illness of the
Princess of the Asturias. The affair was enveloped in mystery ; but
in confidential conversation the terrible word poison was mentioned
by persons most attached to the Queen. It was related that one day
a courier, about to depart from Naples, was arrested, and his de-
spatches examined : they contained letters from the Princess of the
Asturias to her mother. The unfortunate Princess complained of
the more than humiliating treatment which both she and the Prince
of the Asturias received from the Prince of the Peace ; and the letter
concluded with affecting regrets for her removal from her native
country, and apprehensions respecting her future fate. The Queen
smiled maliciously on perusing those touching complaints of a broken
heart. " What shall we do ?" said she to an individual who was her
counsellor, for as to Charles IV. he was a mere cipher. " Send off
the letter," was the reply, " and then we shall see the answer ; that
will suggest to us what we had best do." The answer arrived — but
too speedily. The reports then in circulation stated that it arrived
on the 10th of August, 1805 ; and five days after, viz. on St. Louis's
day, the resolution which had been adopted was put into execution.
Such were the reports current among the very highest ranks of
society in Madrid. In short, it was whispered fearfully that the
Princess of the Asturias had been poisoned, and that this crime had
been resolved upon in consequence of a line in the answer of the
Queen of Naples. " My daughter," wrote the Queen, " I can scarcely
conceive how you endure what you described to me. . . . There is no
throne that can be worth being purchased so dearly. . . . Rather
leave Spain and come back to me. But if you cannot resolve to
leave Ferdinand, from whom you derive the little share of happiness
you enjoy in that country, then, my daughter, learn to be, not a weak
woman, but a great and courageous Princess. Recollect the words
of Catherine II. : ' It is better to kill the Devil than to let the Devil
kill us P

This last sentence, it is said, instigated the murder ; such, at least,
was the general report. Since the accession of Ferdinand VII. I have
heard that the apothecary who administered the poison voluntarily
confessed his guilt ; but for this I cannot vouch, as I was not at that
time in Spain. However, that the Princess was poisoned was uni-
versally believed to be a fact. The Prince of the Asturias was in
such a state of despair, that it is supposed he would have put an end

COMMERCE OF BORDEAUX. 153

to his existence. He scarcely ever left the bedside of the Princess,
whose sufferings might well have moved her bitterest enemy. For
the memory of the Princess of the Asturias, I cherish the respect
due to those talents and virtues which, had she lived, would have
imparted conspicuous lustre to the throne of Spain. Her death
might be regarded as a great misfortune to France. There can be
no doubt that the affairs of the Peninsula would have been treated
very differently at Bayonne, had the Princess been there.

I remained in Madrid until the beginning of February. I fre-
quently visited the amiable Countess da Ega, the wife of the Portu
guese ambassador at Madrid, who gave very agreeable music parties.
The Duchess d'Ossuna, too, gave a charming fete in honour of me at
the Alameda, her country house near Madrid. When King Joseph
was in Spain, I cannot imagine why he did not choose the Alameda
as his residence, instead of giving it to General Belliard. I would
rather have lived there than in the Escurial. I now received a letter
from Junot, dated Vienna, in which he informed me that the Em-
peror had given him a mission to Italy ; but that I was to return to
Paris to enter upon my duty in the service of Madame Mere.

I quitted Madrid with regret, for I could not but be grateful for
the perfect cordiality with which I had been received ; but France
recalled me, and if in the course of these memoirs I have given any
idea of the profound devotion I feel for my country, my readers may
conceive my attraction towards her, in this, her hour of resplendent
and almost magic glory. The man who has surrounded her with this
immortal halo was receiving his recompense. We were not then the
unjust and ungrateful people we have since become ; we appreciated
his laurels, and the unanimous voice of France proclaimed him the
greatest among the great, and the most beloved of her sons. This
sentiment particularly struck me in passing through Bayonne and
Bordeaux. ' In these quarters public opinion was against, him, on
account of the rupture of the treaty of Amiens and the expedition to
St. Domingo. Injustice to its citizens it must be acknowledged that.
the commerce of Bordeaux, violently shaken by these two events,
could not he expected to repay its misfortunes with attachment. The
people require that their interests should be considered, and in the
struggle with England they were always forgotten. Yet, on my
return through Bordeaux, I was astonish, d at, the difference which
twelve months had produced in that city ; the second of the empire
for its population and commerce. Before quitting Spain I had learnt
a piece of news of immense importance to the political game of
Europe — the death of Mr. Pitt. 1 knew the Emperor's manner of

154 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

thinking of Mr. Pitt, and I felt persuaded that this event would affect
nim deeply. I will go further, and profess that he could not fail to
rejoice in it.

As Napoleon's aversion for England was so well known, it may
easily be supposed that he looked upon Mr. Pitt as his enemy. But
it is not so generally known that a personal animosity subsisted be-
tween General Bonaparte and Mr. Pitt. It is nevertheless perfectly
true. I know, that so early as his command in Italy and Egypt,
General Bonaparte could not pardon the English government for ita
publication of the entire correspondence of individuals. Then fol
lowed the affair of Saint-Jean d'Acre and the treaty of El-Arish. Mr.
Pitt was justly accused of the whole ; his influence at that period
was predominant, and instead of tending towards conciliation, it
served but to embroil every thing. General Bonaparte, on attaining
the Consulate, made some advances towards gaining Mr. Pitt. But
his propositions, though too skilfully conducted to compromise him,
were ill received, and the First Consul had to endure the humiliation
of having received a check. He felt it, too much perhaps for a man
of his mind, but I have already observed how sensitive he was to
even puerile trifles. From that moment Mr. Pitt became to him an
object of one of those decided antipathies which are not to be over-
come ; he instituted inquiries into all the details of his past life ; and
the French journals and English opposition papers teemed with
diatribes in the worst possible taste. What was the consequence %
That Mr. Pitt, in his turn, made a descent, not upon our coasts, but
into the family of the First Consul ; that the dearest and most sacred
objects of his attachment were delivered up to all the scandal which
a malevolent and sometimes witty pen could contrive for the amuse-
ment of the public, under cover of facts sometimes invented and
sometimes speciously true ; and that Europe entire was occupied in
reading the most scandalous biographies of the mother and sisters of
the First Consul.

The first which fell into Napoleon's hands threw7 him into such a
paroxysm of fury, that on the arrival of the second none dared tc
translate the whole truth for him. It became, howrever, necessary to
represent things as they were, and Jupiter's wrath was renewed.
Just then, matters stood with us in something like an Homeric atti-
tude ; when our Jupiter knit his brow, the European world trembled.
But instead of attacking Mr. Pitt with cannon, Napoleon continued
this warfare of abuse with such bitterness, that presently the person-
alities returned by the enemy were of so outrageous a nature, that it
is impossible to give an adequate idea of Napoleon's rage on reading

mr. pitt's death. 155

any of the thousand and one productions which the pamphleteers of
London, while making their own fortunes and paying court to the
minister, poured upon our coasts. It is well known that at the period
of the peace of Amiens, Mr. Pitt retired from the administration to
avoid, as he said, signing the dishonour of England, and finding him-
self in communication with a man whom he considered as the enemy
of human nature. The hatred between these two men is the strongest
perhaps that ever had existence. The Emperor saw but one real and
redoubtable obstacle to his views — and that was Mr. Pitt. This man
would have undermined all his operations. During the three and
twenty years that Mr. Pitt had been in office, how great an influence
had he exercised on the affairs of France ! In vain did Napoleon
repeatedly say of him, " As far as Dover Pitt is a great minister, at
Calais I fear him no longer." This was not true ; Pitt was a clever
statesman everywhere. And though Napoleon did not fear him, be-
cause he feared nothing ; he hated him, and held him in that sort of
apprehension we feel for a man of talent whom we know to be our
enemy ; nevertheless Mr. Pitt was not a great man. " The fiscal
financier and the blue-bag tactician is not fortunate in offensive opera-
tions," he would often laughingly but justly remark. Mr. Pitt's
death left England in a state of great anxiety, and Europe in an
uncertainty which the Emperor made more fearful. And I think it
may be affirmed without fear of contradiction, even from his country-
men, that it was not the continuation of his political maxims which
caused the fall of France and the momentary salvation of England,
but the faults of his adversaries, of which men of such moderate
abilities as the Lords Sidmouth and Castlereagh knew how to take
advantage. They had at least the talent to make the most of the
good cards chance had dealt them.

Mr Pitt's death created a great sensation in Spain. The state of
hostility existing between England and that unfortunate kingdom was
too violent, and too terrible in its effects, for the British minister to
escape his full share of popular animosity. Mr. Pitt had expressed
in parliament his opinion on the alliance of Spain with the French
Republic in such unmeasured terms, that, he was blamed even in
England. His death, then, was a kind of sacrifice to the manes of
the sailors at Trafalgar. The house in which 1 lodged at Vittoria,
belonging to the most considerable, inhabitant of the town, had been

completely illuminated, "in celebration," said my host, "of an event
so fortunate for Spain." At Bordeaux and Bayonne also the death
of Mr. Pitt had an important effect upon the public mind ; it WAS
hoped that a new order of things would result from it, and that the

156 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Emperor would be less inflexible in his demands upon another mil*
ister. At the hotel at which I lodged at Bordeaux I met a lady who
had been formerly acquainted with my mother, coming from her
estate, the Chateau de Pierrc-Fonds, to embrace her son, who had
miraculously escaped from an English prison. He was' an ensign »nd
had been taken at Trafalgar. At first he had been well treated. 1
believe, because he was a free-mason, and whatever the fraternity
could offer he had in abundance. Then came the most rigorous
orders, and the poor prisoner was closely confined ; but as he had not
given his parole, he escaped under three different disguises. Here, at
length, he was in France, joyfully treading his native soil, embracing
his mother and swearing eternal hatred to England, of which, how-
ever, he spoke as formidable and deserving of respect. '' The number
of vessels in commission," said he, ^it was in 1800,) " amount to
seven hundred and forty ; of which one hundred and thirty are of
the line, twenty from fifty to sixty guns, and above one hundred and
forty frigates. And all these thoroughly rigged, fitted for sea and
manned with the full complement of able and well-disciplined sea-
men." When I repeated to the Emperor, who for many days after
my return put numerous questions to me relative to the minutest
particulars of my journey, this history of the young heir de Pierre-
Fonds and the remarks he made, the Emperor inquired his name and
address, and two months afterwards I learnt, by a letter from his
mother, that her son had been promoted. u Probably," she added,
"to indemnify him for the evils of his captivity, I cannot otherwise
understand to what he owes his good fortune." I mention this fact
because it proves the Emperor's attention to the smallest circum-
stances.

I returned to Paris on Shrove-Tuesday. which was the anniversary
of my departure; and oh, how joyfully, France, my country — how
proud was I then of thy name ! How did my heart beat, when I
found that name sufficient to bring honour, veneration to a feeble
woman ; but I was a French woman — I was the wife of one of my
count! v's bravest soldiers ! The next day I wrote to Madame de
Fontangcs, lady of honour to Madame Mere, to inquire when I should
have the honour of presenting myself to her Imperial Highness, to
pay my respects and take possession of my office as lady in waiting.
The same evening Madame de Fontanges replied, that her Imperial
Highness would receive me after mass on the following Sunday. On
Friday morning I received a visit from a lady in no elevated situa.
tion in the Empress's household, who asked, amongst other things,
whether I intended to wait till I had seen Madame before I paid m?

BREAKFASTS OF JOSEPHINE. 157

duty at the Tuileiics. To this I replied, that my notions of court
etiquette compelled me to do so. But after my visitor's departure,
I began to surmise that the interview was not wholly of her own
proposition ; and knowing the terms of mother and daughter-in-law
upon which these ladies lived, I determined that the minutiae of eti-
quette, of which, excepting the Empress herself, not one female of the
Imperial family had the most distant notion, should not act as a cause
of offence, and immediately wrote to Madame de la Rochefoucauld to
know when I might offer my duty to her Majesty. She replied at
once, that by the Empress's command she was directed to invite me
to breakfast the following morning, and to desire that I wrould bring
with me her god-daughter, my little Josephine. My maternal pride
was delighted with this goodness, for Josephine was a charming child,
with large curls as soft as silk falling upon her rosy cheek, and all the
graces and delicacy of infancy in her figure and manners. I took
much more pains with her toilet than my own, and at half-past ten
repaired with my child to the Tuileries.

The breakfasts of the Empress Josephine were a very interesting
portion of the domestic arrangements of the Tuileries. They were in
a wholly peculiar style, of which no other court offered any similar
example, and the Empress knew how to invest them with fascination.
Four or five persons usually composed these parties ; the Empress
seldom invited any but females, and her invitations were usually
verbal. Something beyond the mere intention of obliging her
certainly urged the Emperor to permit these familiar meetings
in the very interior of the palace, and even as it were under his
presidence. Already the unlucky system of fusion was in opera-
tion, and these breakfasts were extremely serviceable in forward-
ing it. Many ladies were invited to them who as yet did not make
their appearance in the great circles at court, nor even at the
theatres, but who at a later period flourished in the "Almanack Impe-
rial ;" wholly at their own desire, and in consequence of repeated
letters written to the great chamberlain. At the time, however, of
which I am writing, they would only appear to associate with
Madame de Beauharnais as with one of their own class. A particular
circumstance has impressed upon my mind the recollection of the
breakfast I am now speaking of. On entering the great yellow saloon
which follows that of Francis I., I met a young person whose grace,
freshness and charming countenance struck me with surprise. Sho
advanced to me with a smile, though she did not know me, ami
stooping down to put herself on a level with Josephine, exclaimed,
"Oh, what a charming little creature! will you come to me, u\y

158 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

angel?" Then, taking her in her arms, she ran with her to the other
end of the saloon. Josephine, who was by no means unsociable, wag
very well pleased with this sort of reception, and replying to it in
kind, a perfect intimacy was established between them in a very few
minutes. 1 had not time to ask Madame d'Arberg who this very
pleasing young person was, when the Empress entered the room from
her private apartment. She received me in her kindest and in<>s!
amiable manner, and every one knows how much she excelled in the
art of captivation when so disposed. She embraced me, and in the
most gracious tone assured me of the satisfaction she felt at my
return. " And where," said she, " is my god-daughter; have you not
brought her to see me?" Josephine, my daughter, encouraged by
her godmother's condescension, and quite unconscious of any restraints
of etiquette, ran forward at the first word. " Ah," said she, " 1 per-
ceive Stephanie has already undertaken to entertain Josephine;" and
then added, in a lower tone, "you do not know my niece; look at
her, and tell me if she is not charming?" Without fear of being
suspected of court flattery, I replied, that the Empress had good
reason to think so ; for in fact 1 have met with very few women to
be compared for grace and beauty with what Mademoiselle Stephanie
de Beauharnais was at that period. No woman could wish for
greater advantages of person and manners than she possessed ; at
once pretty and engaging, she attracted the admiration of the men,
and by her gracious attentions silenced the envy of the women. She
was daughter to the Senator M. de Beauharnais, cousin to the
Empress's first husband, and was affianced to the hereditary Prince
of Baden. Her intended, whom I saw a few days afterwards, did not
appear to me deserving of her — at least in personal attraction.

The Empress spoke at some length upon the subject of my journey
to Portugal, and asked me a multitude of questions concerning the
Queen of Spain and the Princess of Brazil. I could not help think-
ing, as I answered her, of the curiosity these Princesses had expressed
respecting the Empress, and repeating only the agreeable remark.*
the Queen of Spain had made about her. 1 was impenetrable upon
the rest of her Majesty's conversation, which had been, in fact, more
curious than amiable, and prided myself on the skilful commence-
ment I was making in diplomacy. The Empress then spoke of
Madame. " 1 am very sorry that the Emperor did not place you in
my household, instead of that of my mother-in-law," said she. " You
will certainly find that house very disagreeable ; every one about it
is as old as if they had been determined to supply it from the Court
of Louis XV. So young and gay as you are, how will you be abl«

MADAME MERE. 159

to accommodate yourself to such a species of mausoleum'?" Flatter-
ing as were these words, and gracious as was the Empress's manner,
I knew very well that it was perfectly indifferent to her whether I
belonged to Madame's household or not ; and I made no reply to her
remarks on the style of Madame's establishment, which it was too
much the custom to ridicule at court, and as it always appeared to me
without any sufficient cause; but merely answered the Empress that
Madame had been kind to me from my infancy, and that 1 was
assured she would extend to my youth that indulgence of which no
doubt I should stand in need, though I trusted my conduct would
always be irreproachable. I felt what I said, for I looked upon
Madame as a second mother. I can never forget that when mine was
dying, she and the Queen of Spain, then Madame Joseph Bonaparte,
came to me in the belief that I was an orphan, and a tribute <-f grati-
tude is due to those from whom I received so much kindness.

On Sunday the 25th of February, I proceeded to the hotel of
Madame in the Rue St. Dominique, now the hotel of the minister
of war. Madame Mere had not been elevated to the dignity of a
Princess of the Imperial family so early as her daughters and her
daughters-in-law, as I have previously observed, on account of her
attachment to her proscribed son Lucien. Happily for himself, the
Emperor resumed sentiments more worthy of his greatness, and
Madame was recalled from Rome and placed in the rank which be-
longed to her as mother of the Emperor. -At the period of my
return from Portugal, she had been some time in possession of her
title and fortune, and it is but justice to say that she sustained the
one as a worthy and noble matron; and honorably employed the
other in the mode for which it was destined. Her income then
amounted to 500,000 francs, one-fifth of which was swallowed up by
the appointments of her Court of Honour.*

* Certain journalists have liberally assigned millions to Madame Mere. The
only period when her income amounted to a million francs per annum, viras
when the King of Westphalia was at, (,'assel in isu7. All she afterwards pos-
sessed was perhaps only what she had saved out of that million, and that
daring live years. During the subsequent misfortunes of the Bonaparte family,
if she; denied lierself those indulgences which are so essential in old age, it was
to secure the means of assisting her children, for whom she had made the

greatest sacrifices. The conduct of Madame Mei entitled her to honour and

re pect, and should at least have screened her from false and unjust, oalumnies.

It is natural that journals of a certain class should assign illusory wealth to

the Bonaparte family, to excuse the Bourbons for not having fulfilled any of

the treaties they entered into with that, family; for having delaine. I their prO»

160 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

On my arrival I was presented to her by name, by Madame de
Fontanges. Madame Mere, advancing from the fireside where she
had been standing, approached me, saying, "You need not introduce
Madame Junot to me; she is a child of mine, and I love her as much
as my own daughter; I hope everything will be done to render her
situation in the household of an old woman agreeable to her, for it fa
a serious affair for so young a person." It was agreed that I should
come into waiting the following Sunday. Upon this I touk leave,
and Madame proceeded to dine with the Emperor, the regular
arrangement for every Sunday, unless superseded by some very
important hindrance.

The next morning at ten o'clock, M. Rollier, steward of the house
hold to Madame, was announced. On receiving my appointment,
it had never occurred to me to enquire whether any income was
attached to my place, and wdien M. Rollier informed me that he was
come to bring me an entire year's salary, I would have positively
refused it, had he not assured me that my doing so would offend
Madame ; upon this, though the sum was pretty large, I accepted it.
I relate this trait, insignificant as it may seem, because it is directly
opposed to the character ascribed to Madame. If she had been the
miser — the word must be spoken out — which some persons have
been pleased to represent her, she would have found here a very
convenient opportunity of saving G000 francs, to which I should
certainly never have thought myself entitled.

perty, the crown diamonds, which were purchased with the Emperor's money
and for having turned on the wide world as exiles, those whom they have
reduced to beggary.

PORTRAIT OF MADAME MERE. 161

CHAPTER XVI.

Portrait of Madame Laetitia Bonaparte — Her retired life — Coolness between hei
and Napoleon — Her household — The Marechale Davonst — Mad. de Fon-
tanges — Mad. de Fleurieii — Mad. de Bressienx — Mad. de St. Pern — Mad.
Dupuis — Mile. Delaunay — Count de la Ville — M. de Beaumont — Mons.
and Mad. de Brissac — Deafness of the latter — Absurd scene with the Em-
peror— M. de Cazes — Prince of Baden — The court quadrille — Festive scenes
encouraged by Napoleon — Naples occupied by the French — Death of
Tronchet — Naval disasters — Capitulation of Rochambeau and massacre of
the French at St. Domingo— General Lallemand and his wife — My interview
with Napoleon — Junot writes to me to join him at Parma.

Of all the biographies which have been written of the Emperor's
family, none are so ridiculously false as those which concern Madame
Mere.* I not only knew her during the period I belonged to her
family, but long before, and may therefore be permitted to offer a
correct portrait of her ; among the important figures who surrounded
the Emperor, his mother ought to be known as she truly was.

At the time Madame was named Madame Mere she might be
about fifty-three or fifty-four years of age ; she had been perfectly
beautiful in her youth ; all her daughters (except Madame Bacciochi)
resembled her, and gave a good idea of what her beauty had been.
Her stature was that most agreeable in women, about five feet one
inch ; but as she grew older, her shoulders increased in breadth,
which diminished her apparent height, though her carriage always
continued firm and dignified. Her feet were the most remarkably
small and beautifully formed I had ever seen. A defect in her right
hand was conspicuous in one otherwise so pretty, — the fore-finger did
not bend; in consequence of an ill-performed operation the nerve had
been cut; and this stiffness had a singular effect when sue played at
cards. At this period her teeth were still perfect, and like all the
Bonapartes her smile was charming, her countenance lively, piercing,
and very intelligent. Her eyes were small and very black, but their

* I know not whether before his death, Walter Scott was nml ive<i upon

his self-delusion of having written a history of Napoleon ; but if lie died in that
opinion, it only proves that the most sensible minds may have strange aberra-
tions.

60

102 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

expression was never ill-natured, which is more than can he said for*
Borne "f her children. Madame was very nice in her person, and
paid especial attention to dressing always conformably to her age and
situation. She made, in short, a more respectable appearance than
some Princes and Princesses I have seen, who stood sadly in need of
their royal titles to distinguish them from the commonalty. The
great inconvenience to which Madame's situation exposed her, arose
from her timidity and her want of fluency in the French language;
sh ■: felt really timid in presence of persons who were presented to
ho-, and whose sarcastic observations she apprehended. She pos-
sessed great tact and acuteness of judgment; she saw with a glance
the disposition of the persons who approached her. This was ob-
servable on the day that Madame de Chevreuse was presented to her
in quality of lady of the palace ; an office, by the way, which she had
been persuaded to accept against her inclination. Without knowing
her connections and the sentiments professed by them, Madame
detected, in a moment, the lurking dislike, if not even hatred that
this lady bore to all the Bonaparte family. The subsequent conduct
of Madame de Chevreuse, which was punished, perhaps too severely.
by her exile, proved the accurate penetration of Madame Lastitia,
Madame led a very retired life : if it was wrong, the fault was not
her own. The Emperor, though he loved her, did not surround her
with the consideration which was due to the mother of Napoleon.
She felt this ; but too proud to hint it to her son, she preferred
remaining in solitude to putting herself in contact either with the
Empress, or with any of the persons who surrounded the Emperor.
The ministers sometimes paid their respects to her on New-year's
Day ; sometimes at distant intervals, but never writh the forms of
ceremony and etiquette which were suited to her station, except the
Duke de Gaeta. But she possessed no influence, and the frequenters
of a court possess a marvellous acuteness in deciphering the actual
position of individuals within that magic circle. I was affectionately
attached to Madame, and my feelings revolted against such treats
ment. I spoke of it sometimes to Duroc and Junot, and told them
I was convinced that Madame suffered much from the neglected
situation in which her son permitted her to remain. Duroc defended
the Emperor, and referred to the circumstance of the quarrel between
Napoleon and Lucien, in which Madame took the part of the latter.
Junot was of my opinion, and always treated Madame with the
utmost respect.

Madame, on receiving the title of Imperial Highness, quitted the
lotel she had shared with her brother Cardinal Fesch. in the Rue (hi

COURT OF MADAME MERE. 163

Mont-Blanc, to take possession of the Hotel de Brienne in the Rue St,
Dominique. This hotel had belonged to Lucien, who had furnished it
sumptuously : so that Madame had at once a mansion suitable to her
new dignity.*

The Marechale Davoust formed a member of the court of Madame
Mere. But her pretensions were more elevated, and she was disap-
pointed in not having been named a lady of honour to the Empress,
She professed ill health, and gave in her resignation before my arrival
at Paris. As this little court will naturally often appear in connexion
with these memoirs, I shall give the names, with a slight sketch, of the
individuals composing it. We were four ladies companions, one lady
of honour, and a reader ; two chamberlains, two equerries, one chief
equerry, a chief almoner, and a secretary. Madame de Fontanges,
whom the Emperor had created a baroness, because it was his will
that all persons attached to the different households should be titled,
was the lady of honour. She was handsome and inoffensive, young,
but without fortune : a Creole I believe, and carrying in her person
and in her actions that listlessness of the other hemisphere, which is
never entirely without its charm. She had not been presented at
court before the Revolution, and was utterly ignorant of its etiquette.
The nomination of this lady was the result of a mistake on the part
of the Emperor: he intended to appoint the Marchioness de Fontanges,
a most amiable person.

The four ladies companions, after the retirement of the Marechale
Davoust, were Madame Soult, Madame de Fleurieu, wife of the
minister of marine under Louis XVI., Madame de Saint-Pern, and
myself. There was but one among us all who might be said to be
completely in her place. Madame de Fleurieu seemed born to bo
the companion of an elderly princess, for she seemed never to have
been young herself. She had never been handsome, nor even pretty,
and she possessed all the characteristics of a plain virtuous woman.
I have seldom seen any person so directly the reverse of pleasing ;ls
Madame de Fleurieu; dancing with as melancholy an air as if she was
begging at St. lioch, and holding her petticoat to the extent of her two
arms, offering a good representation of an espalier tree. Having no
pretension to grace, she aspired to be considered a beUesprit. She had,
however, two serious faults: the one was the mania, or rather the
monomania of etiquette ; a pretension which hail dazzled the Emperor,

* It is still tin; same ; and I sometimes think that Madame lu Marechale
Soult cannot totally abjure all recollections of flic Kinpiiv, in I, his very house,

where she has so jften attended to take her turn in the service of Madami
Mere.

164 napoleon, ins court and family.

who never imagined that any one could persist in talking for evci
upon a particular subject, without being perfectly well versed in it.
Her second great fault was that of being an eternal talker; a spout of
lukewarm water, always open and always running; the recollection
of it is terrible even at this distance of time. To sum up, however, I
should say with Brantome : she was a very respectable and very virtuous

hi:/;/.

Madame de Bressieux, the successor of Madame Saint-Pern, is
the Mademoiselle Colombier of whom Napoleon speaks in the Me-
tnorial of St. Helena: I had heard from Napoleon himself that in his
very early youth, while he was at Valence, there had existed a project
of marrying him to Mademoiselle Colombier; I had in consequence a
strong desire to see her. I found her witty, agreeable, mild and
amiable. Without being decidedly pretty, she was very pleasing,
extremely well formed, and her address remarkably engaging. I
easily understood that the Emperor might have gathered cherries with
her at six o'clock in the morning, without any improper thought, and
confining himself entirely to harmless chat. One peculiarity which
struck me the first time I saw her, was the interest with which she
watched the Emperor's smallest movement, her eye following him
with an attention which seemed to emanate from the soul. To know
Madame St. Pern was to love her. She was not pretty, but her figure
and address were striking. Her character was charming. A Corsican
by birth, as unhappy as exile and domestic grievances couJd make any
human being, she supported her misfortunes with affecting resignation.
Madame Dupuis, our supernumerary, as we were in the habit of call-
ing her, was singular without being amusing. Her countenance suited
her mind ; her figure might have been good, and she had beautiful
black hair; yet with these advantages, even with a pretty hand and
foot, two requisites even more indispensable in my opinion to a pretty
woman than fine eyes, with all these it never came into any one's head
to maintain that Madame Dupuis was handsome. She was as good
natured as a Creole indolence would permit her to be,. and we know
•about how far that good nature extends; but she was wearisome to
excess. Mademoiselle Delaunay, the reader, was an amiable and
charming person, remarkable for her highly cultivated talents. She
was an excellent musician, vocal and instrumental, and painted in
miniature so well, that Madame employed her to paint all the por-
traits of herself which she gave as presents.

It will be seen by these sketches that something might be made
of the ladies of Madame's household ; but for the gentlemen, a mora
extraordinary choice of attendants upon a person of her taste and

MADAM E DE BilISSAC. 165

habits could scarcely have been made, with the exception of my ex-
cellent friend the Count de la Ville, formerly belonging to the house-
hold of the King of Sardinia ; he alone suited Madame. He united a
thorough goodness of feeling with the most finished politeness of the
courtier ; he knew precisely the rank to allot to each individual, and
the consistent arrangements of etiquette ; points of which our lady of
honour was as ignorant as the rest of the household, who, excepting
M. de Beaumont, knew as much of these matters as if they had fallen
asleep in the days of the Patriarch Jacob, and awoke again under the
dynasty of Clovis. M. de Brissac, M. d'Esterno, General d'Estrees,
and M. de Beaumont, found their duties in Madame's household of a
most wearisome nature, and threw back upon the circle their own
ennui. I should not, however, class M. de Beaumont with the rest;
if he was ennuye, certainly he did not contribute to weary others, for
he was very witty, and beyond measure amusing and full of mimickry.
But for all that, I was always delighted to meet him, because we
enjoyed those hearty laughs together which are so exhilarating. He
was brother to M. de Beaumont, chamberlain to the Empress Jose-
phine, but no relation to General Beaumont, aide-de-camp to Murat.
M. de Brissac, though old, ugly, and a little crooked, was the best of
men, polite, amiable, and inoffensive. Although Madame de Brissac
did not belong to the household, it is impossible to pass her over, as
she was more about Madame than any one of us. She came every
evening to join the party, with M. Clement de Ris, M. Casabianca, M.
Chollet, and two or three more old senators, whose portraits, under
the semblance of animated tapestry, haunted my dreams, after sitting
a whole e\ jning in Madame's saloon, looking at and listening to them,
from six o'clock till eleven or even midnight. Madame de Brissac,
with all her wit, for she had much, played with these old-fashioned
perukes, with as natural a smile as if she had been really amused.
She was a very singular woman ; she had never been pretty, her
height being about four feet and a half, and her figure not quite
straight; notwithstanding which she was as coquettish in her dress as
I could be at twenty years of age; and for this very good reason, she
was as much in love with her husband as a woman is supposed to lie,
in the spring-tide of life. He had however been false to her. While
still a child he had fallen in love with Mademoiselle de Rothf lin ;
another beauty fell in his way, and he abandoned her. "Then how
did you become his wife?" said I to her one day when she was relating
tome the history of her love for M. de Brissac. "Only because I
waited patiently and the other died," she replied, wilh an air of

166 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

triumphant simplicity and a truly comic expression of countenance
which I shall never forget

She was extremely deaf; and on the occasion of her presentation
to the Emperor was most anxious to be informed what questions he
would ask her, and what she ought to answer. She was told that the
Emperor almost always inquired what department a person came
from ; howold they were; and how many children they might have
Doubting her ear, which the agitation of the moment might rendei
even unusually treacherous, she determined to be prepared beforehand
for each of these questions, in the order in which they had been stated
to her. The day of presentation arrived, Madame de Brissac made
her three courtesies to the Emperor, who having laid down no law to
himself to ask precisely the same questions of all the extraordinary
faces which appeared before him, said rapidly to her, " Is your husband
brother to the Duke of Brissac who was killed on the 2d of Septem
ber 1 and did he not inherit his estates ?"

" Seine and Oise, Sire," was the answer, and though an odd one
not very wide of the mark, for M. de Brissac really inherited property
in that department. The Emperor, however, struck by its incohe-
rence, looked at her with some surprise as he continued, " I believe you
have no children1?" " Fifty-two, sire," said she with the same amiable
and benevolent smile as before, never doubting but the Emperor had
inquired her age. Napoleon, by this time, was satisfied that Madame
de Brissac was hard of hearing, and without farther observation con-
tinued his tour of the circle. With all her eccentricities she was a
kind friend, a good mother, and an excellent woman.

Besides the gentlemen I have already mentioned as belonging to
the household, there were M. de Quelen, brother to the archbishop of

Paris, eque-ry; the Bishop of , chief almoner; M. de Guien,

secretary ; tne latter died soon after and was replaced by M. Decazes,
afterwards the minister of Louis XVIII. — he was then called the sweet-
pea of the court. He had married Mademoiselle Muraire, but had
become a widower.

Nothing surprised me so much on my return to Paris, as the
increase of that fever for place and favour, which had begun to mani-
fest itself before my departure, but which was now in its highest
paroxysm. Die tablets of the great chamberlain, of the master of
the ceremonies, and Marshal Duroc, were daily rilled with requisi
tions, nay pressing petitions for appointments, from persons who at a
later period, found it convenient to deny all connexion with this
imperial court.

The hereditary Prince of Baden had arrived at Paris, lie wis

THE QUADRILLE AT THE TUILERIES. 167

the most disagreeable personage I had ever seen ; he had the pouting
air of a child in disgrace, but his humours were not followed by the
clear sunshine of childhood. The first time I saw him, I could not for-
bear casting my eyes upon the charming young person* who was about
to become his property : she seemed to me more than usually lovely.
She appeared in smiles at the fetes given in celebration of her sacrifice
— but her smile was melancholic — how could it have been otherwise!
Among the fetes which this first royal marriage in the Emperor's
family produced, was one distinguished from the rest by the introduc-
tion of a perfect novelty : this was a quadrille ; the first which had
been seen at Paris since the Eevolutiou. The idea of this truly royal
amusement originated in the Princess Caroline, who had lately received
the title of Grand-Duchess of Cleves and Berg. The costume was a
long time under consideration ; and as generally happens when twenty
different advisers are consulted, an intolerably ugly one was adopted.
The Emperor did not like Louis XIV., but he was determined that
his new court should be constructed after the model of that monarch's.
After my return from Portugal, I gathered from the conversation of
the Emperor, his determination to render his court the most brilliant
in Europe. He questioned me concerning the courts of Spain and
Portugal, and seemed to take pleasure in dwelling upon the miserable
condition of those Sovereigns in the midst of their jewels and etiquette.

The performers in this memorable quadrille were to be distin-
guished by four different colours — white, green, red, and blue. The
white ladies were to be adorned with diamonds; the red, with rubies;
the green, with emeralds; the blue, with sapphires and turquoises.
The costume was to be Spanish. The robe of white crape slashed
with satin, of the colour of the quadrille, and the slashings trimmed
with silver lama. The head-dress was to be a toque of black velvet
with two white plumes. The equipment of the gentlemen was per-
fectly absurd. A coat of white velvet, made in what fashion I cannot
describe, surmounted by a scarf the colour of the quadrille, tied in a
bow at the side; and for head-dress, a toque of black velvet similar
to wins. It was along time before I could look with a serious face
upon any one of the gentlemen of our set. Then the style in which
this quadrille was danced was itself worth remembering : it was
directed by Despreaux, my former (lancing master, and took place in
the gallery of Diana, in the Tuileries.

Dancing was the order of the. day in the spring of 1^0(5; it was
the Emperor's will that his court should lie brilliant, and he knew

* Mademoiselle Stephanie de Beauharnais, nie< fthe Ijuprcss.

I6S NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

that it could only be so through the medium of entertainments and
pleasure. These pleasures did not, it is true, accord with his taste 5
he would have preferred a gallop of ten leagues to a fete ; in taking
violent exercise he could give the reins to important thoughts; whilst
at a ball he was obliged to converse with men and women in sel
phrases, to prove that their Sovereign interested himself in theii
affairs. But Napoleon, while he disliked this noisy kind of life, saw
the necessity of it, and he was not the man to sacrifice a powerful
interest to his personal convenience or inclination.

Europe was now about to become the theatre of the most impor-
tant political events. The kingdom of Naples had been just taken
possession of by one of our armies, commanded by Joseph Bonaparte,
having Massena with him, whose two lieutenants were Gouvion Saint-
Cyr, and Reignier. Much has been said about this occupation of the
kingdom of Naples. But this event is not one of those arbitrary acts
for which Napoleon can fairly be blamed. By the treaty of the 21st
of September, 1805, the King of Naples engaged to remain neuter in
the war with Austria. But what happened 1 Ferdinand IV. forgot
his pledged word, or rather remembered only to betray it. We are
very patient, at present, but, in the time I am writing of, matters
stood differently : if insult or injury raised its daring head, the cannon
was our answer. " The house of Naples has ceased to reign," said
the Emperor, in opening the legislative body in the year 1806 ; " she
has irreparably lost her crown. The peninsula of Italy is re-united to
the Great Empire. As supreme chief I have guaranteed the Sover-
eigns and the constitutions which govern its different divisions. It is
pleasing to me to declare, here, that my people have done their duty.
In the heart of Moravia, I have never ceased to receive testimonies
of their love and enthusiasm. Frenchmen ! this love is much more
glorious than the extent of your power and riches." This discourse
was pronounced by Napoleon on the 2d of March, 1806, at the
opening of the legislative body. About this period died that distin-
guished advocate, Tronchet, who so nobly undertook the defence of
Louis XVI. The King, when on his trial, demanded the assistance of
Target and Tronchet; the former declined, probably from conscientious
scruples. Tronchet, though infirm, and almost a septuagenary, ac-
cepted the noble commission. He was a man of great talent and
probity. Napoleon, an acute judge of merit, sought his assistance,
notwithstanding his great age (eighty-seven), in the compilation of
the civic code.

This year, 1806, seemed to be as fatal to our navy as it had been
favourable to our continental successes. A new defeat was announced

NAVAL DISASTERS. 169

to the Emperor. I had been witness of the satisfaction with which he
received the news of the victory of Algesiras; and accident made me
also the witness of his grief, on learning the capture of Admiral Linois,
by the English, on his return from India. He commanded a single
ship of the line, and one frigate : the enemy had not only a superior
force, but an entire squadron. The Emperor's agitation in the first
moment of hearing the news must have been terrible ; his countenance
was greatly changed when he came soon after into the Empress's
apartment where we then were, and his emotion was even then
violent ; a frightful oath escaped him — the Empress Josephine said a
few words to him in a low voice; he answered, still passionately, and
I heard the words — "And then poor Magon!" He recovered himself
soon, and spoke of Admiral Linois in the most flattering terms, and
such as this distinguished sailor merits. Alas ! the battle, which took
place some weeks previously to this latter afl'air, between the English
Admiral Duckworth, and the French Rear-admiral Leissegues, in the
bay of St. Domingo, was the death-blow to our navy. It is true that it
was our constant misfortune to encounter forces numerically superior :
thus, in the instance of the battle of St. Domingo, we were as usual in
the minority.* The English had seven ships of the line, two frigates,
and two sloops, and their whole squadron mounted five hundred and
eighteen guns; our force consisted only of five ships of the line, two
frigates, and one corvette, mounting in the aggregate four hundred
and twenty-six guns. The engagement lasted two hours and a half,
with a fury exceeding all conception. A cousin of mine then in the
imperial navy, and serving in the corvette, assured me that all the
knowledge we had of the disasters of Trafalgar could give no idea of the
horror of this battle. At length, notwithstanding the heroic resistance
of our seamen, three French vessels were taken, and two others burnt
after being wrecked.

Some time after these disastrous tidings, others arrived from St.
Domingo of a character suited to their author, Dessalines. This
blood-thirsty tiger had long since announced his atrocious projects, in
the proclamation \ which he issued, on taking possession of the island

* The English reader will make some allowance for Madame Junot's national
ity, in thus attempting to palliate the naval disasters of the French ; in making
the above assertion, she forgets that in the battle of Trafalgar she has herself
admitted the combined French and Spanish fleet to consist of five ships more
than the British. — Eng. Ed.

•(•This sanguinary appeal to the revengeful feelings <•(' the Haytians was
couched in very subtle terms. It was translated into die Creole dialect ami
extensively circulated. Under the pretext of upholding Liberty and Indcptiuiencat

170 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

after the unfortunate capitulation of General Rochambeau- — a capita
lation to which the general was necessitated by the yellow fever which
mowed down his troops, a burning climate, and the most sanguinary
of wars ; but above all, by the total want of confidence which had
resulted from the inexcusable artifices of General Leclerc, who had
rendered the whites most obnoxious to the natives of the island.

I have already spoken of General Lallemand as a valued friend of
my husband and myself. He went to America in 1802, where he
honourably distinguished himself; but he displeased the general-in-
chief, who did not like such men as Lallemand, and he returned to
Europe almost in disgrace. One day he entered my drawing-room,
accompanied by an exceedingly beautiful young lady. She was tall
and slender, and possessed that graceful pliancy of form for which the
Creoles are remarkable. She had light-brown hair and soft blue eyes,
a set of teeth as white as pearls, and an expression of countenance, the
charms of which every one will acknowledge who has seen Madame
Lallemand. Even on my first acquaintance with her, I formed a high
opinion of her understanding ; but subsequent circumstances proved
her to possess a mind of a most elevated order. She had come tc
France accompanied by her mother, the beautiful Madame de Lar-
tigues, whose vast fortune enabled her to rival the splendour of the
most wealthy Parisians. Her property in St. Domingo produced five
hundred thousand livres per annum. All this property was lost in
one day. She vainly endeavoured to recover some wrecks of it when
the French army was at the Cape ; but nothing was restored to her.

Junot was still at Parma, and I was continually receiving letters
from him, in which he desired me to inquire of the Emperor whether
I should not join him. It was an innocent ruse, which I very well
understood, to learn whether he was likely to remain there long. But
Napoleon was not a man to give an answer if it did not suit him. I
advised with the Princess Caroline, who recommended me to speak
to the Emperor upon the subject the first time I should chance to
meet him. " But take care," added she, " not to ask an audience for
this purpose." She was right. At the first word I said to the Emperor
upon the subject of my journey, he asked with a sort of pique whether
Junot had appointed me his ambassador to him, and whether my let-
ters of credence were perfectly regular. I took special care not to
answer that 1 had Junot's instructions to ask an audience ; but I said,
that of my own desire I took the liberty of asking him if I might not

it advocated, too successfully, a war of extermination. How could England
permit the massacre of Cape Franjois? Surely it had the power to prevent it

jONOT WRITES MADAME TO JOIN HIM AT PARMA. 171

join my husband, and carry him his children, whom he had not seen
for above six months.

I must here again remark how much Napoleon valued whatever
tended to promote the internal repose and concord of families. To
touch this chord was the sure means of securing his attention. He
turned towards me, and slowly taking a pinch of snuff, as he always
did when an idea was not disagreeable to him, he said with a half
smile, " It is you then who wish to join Junot ! This is well, and
would be better still if you had boys to take him, but you give him
nothing but girls." He made me a gracious nod, and withdrew
smiling. He wrote this little conversation to Junot, and his answer
was a pressing desire for me to commence my journey forthwith. lie
wTrote to me that the palace of the Dukes of Parma was admirably
prepared for my reception ; and indeed I might well be tempted to
act the petty sovereign, from all he told me, not only of the palace,
but of his own situation there.

Junot wrote to me again to expedite my journey. He was getting
weary of Parma, and was impatient to see me and the children once
more. But just then I could not set out. My two daughters were
both ill. The excellent M. Desgenettes, who attended them, cured
them speedily, but not so effectually as to enable them, young as they
were, to undertake a journey of four hundred leagues. I therefore
wrote to Junot that I should set out about the end of May.

172 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER XVII.

Janot's success as Go Pernor of Parma — Machinations of the Jesuits — Their sup
pression in Italy — Junot's kind offices to the Princess of Parma — Treaty with
Prussia — Creation of sovereigns in Napoleon's family — The Emperor's con-
versation on the suhject of my journey to Parma — The Empress's jealousy
— Person and character of the Princess Caroline — The chamberlain M.
dAligre — His firmness in refusing the Emperor's wish to marry his daughter
to Caulaincourt — Character of the Princess Pauline — Her great beauty — The
Emperor's brothers — Louis created King of Holland — Reception of the Dutch
deputation — Character of Joseph and his wife — Talleyrand created Prince of
Benevento — My journe}- countermanded — Conversation with the Emperor
on the subject — Junot's arrival at Paris.

Junot had done wonders in his expedition to Parma, or rather to the
Apennines. The insurgents were severely punished ; it was necessary,
though they were not perhaps the most guilty parties. But the peo-
ple were, in that instance as usual, the instruments employed by
others, often against their own interests. Austerlitz was recent, and
the court of Rome also bore in mind the small result of its ultra-
montane journey. On Junot's arrival at Parma, he found there
a college of Jesuits directing the education of several students from
various parts of Italy. Among them was a young man from Bastia,
in Corsica, who was recommended to Junot's notice by Generals
Casabianca and Sebastiani. Junot, in consequence, visited him at the
college, spoke to the superior, and requested him to send the young
man to dine with him every Sunday. The superior observed that it
was against the rules for a scholar to go out alone; upon which Junot
politely invited him to accompany his pupil. The following Sunday
the young Corsican came, according to appointment, attended by his
confessor — a man of an austere countenance and manner, who seemed
to be held in great awe by his companion. The student was thought-
ful and melancholy ; he scarcely answered to the questions put to him,
and ate little. He was pale and thin, and seemed to pay no atten-
tion to what was passing around him. In vain the aides-de-camp
endeavoured to lure him out of his silence ; he persevered during the
whole time of dinner and broke it only when Junot addressed him.
This moody reserve was increased in his subsequent visit. At length

JUNOT AND THE JESUITS AT PARMA. 173

Junot was informed that he was taken ill; he sent his physician to
see the youth, but the reserved fathers politely declined the offer. It
soon became evident that some foul play was going on : whenever
Junot called to see the young Corsican, the superior of the college
contrived to find some obstacle. These subterfuges were at length
unavailing, Junot peremptorily demanded to see the youth. A hor-
rible spectacle presented itself — the poor fellow, reduced to a skeleton,
and in a high state of fever and delirium, was confined in a dark
chamber, scarcely provided with common necessaries. At the sight
of Junot he burst into a fit of frenzy, uttering incoherently words of
a threatening import to the Emperor. These expressions were ac-
companied by gestures indicating an attempt to commit assassination.
Junot immediately caused him to be moved from the college by the
soldiers who accompanied him. It appeared from undoubted evi-
dence, that the superior of the college was disposed to revenge the
affront, which many of the clergy conceived the holy fiither to have
suffered from the Emperor in not having obtained the restitution to
the tiara of the three legations ceded at Tolentino, and in his journey
beyond the Alps. This man had cast his eyes upon the young Corsi-
can, who had been recommended to Junot as an agent for his purpose.
The witnesses deposed that he had been deprived of sleep, forced to
watch whole nights at the foot of the cross, in the church, alone, and
with no other light than that of the tabernacle; and to pass whole
days without food. It was thus they were treating him at the time
of Junot's arrival at Parma. It was proved that the unhappy youth,
whom the fanaticism of these monks had designed to become the
messenger of death, had been tortured by them, to put him in a con-
dition to commit a crime which they represented to him as a virtue,
which would procure him a crown of glory, and that his fragile nature
could not resist all the means which had been employed.

The result of this investigation was that Junot received orders
from thi' Emperor to banish the Jesuits from the states of Parma and
Placencia in particular, and to fin-bid their being received in any part
of the, kingdom of Italy: — which was executed. Their unfortunate
victim died some weeks after, without recovering his reason. The
two physicians to whose skill Junot had committed him, declared
that the springs of life had been exhausted in the terrible trials his
young imagination had been called upon i<> sustain. While Junot
was at Parma, he was no), only employed in punishment, hut in per-
forming acts of mercy and justice, on behalf of the Emperor. His
predecessor, Moreau de St. Mery, thought it did not become a son
of the, Revolution to give any consideration to the fate of the Princess

174 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

of Parcna, daughter of the last Duke, and nothing suitable to her rank
and name had been assigned to her. Junot wrote immediately to the
Emperor, that the Princess of Parma was entitled to a certain estab-
lishment which she did not enjoy ; and asked his orders upon the
subject. The establishment was instantly granted.

Meanwhile the King of Prussia had signed a treaty, ratifying with
some trifling modifications the provisional convention of Vienna ; and
had issued a proclamation, thanking France for having abandoned to
him the electorate of Hanover, as an indemnity for Anspach, Cleves,
Bareuth, and Neufchatel : this latter was afterwards raised to a prin-
cipality, and given to Berthier. But all this Napoleon knew to be
forced demonstration ; he understood the real feelings of those kings,
who afterwards owed their crowns to him, and whose connexion with
him, beginning in perfidy, ended in ingratitude.

Alas ! at this moment a mania for royalty possessed his great
mind. His brothers and sisters became Kings and Queens. Madame
Murat was called Grand Duchess of Berg, and Joseph Bonaparte was
taken from his peaceful and domestic pursuits to reign over the an-
cient Parthenope. " Leave me to be king of Mortefontaine," said he
to his brother, " I am much happier in that domain, the boundary of
which it is true I can see, but where I know myself to be dirl'sing
happiness." His wife experienced the same regret on quitting her
home; but Napoleon had spoken, and it was necessary to obey. He
had said, " The house of Naples has ceased to reign, and a new king
is given to the two Sicilies."

The Princess Eliza was the first of his family whom Napoleon
preferred to the sovereign dignity. He gave her the Republic of
Lucca, which he erected into a principality. When the Princess
Caroline saw her eldest sister wearing a sovereign crown, she also
must have her ivory forehead similarly decorated. She was made
Grand Duchess of Berg. Whether it was that there was no Duke of
Nemours in her duchy, or whether it was that one of her subjects,
daughter of a shoemaker at Dusseldorf, but a very great lady not-
withstanding at the imperial court, had spoken to her on terms or too
much equality, she did not much like the lot that had fallen to her,
and pleaded hard for a little kingdom. Then came the turn of the
Princess Pauline. The Emperor had actual warfare to sustain on her
account. At length she was created Duchess of Guastalla. It was
no great thing, to be sure, but even a mole-hill seemed too much for
her to govern. If there had been kingdoms in the air, as in the time
of the sylphs, she might have been enveloped in a pink and blue
cloud, nicely perfumed, and sent to reign in those fortunate regions,

CONVERSATION AT ST. CLOUD. 175

whore the sceptre of government is a sprig of flowers. This, however,
did not suit her ; her tears and her pretty airs amused her brother
for some time ; but as it was nut in his nature to be patient, he
became angry at last. The Princess Eliza discovered that Lucca and
Piombino were miserable principalities. She complained ; the Prin-
cess Caroline complained; the Princess Pauline complained ; it was
a chorus of grievances. " Ah pa !" said the Emperor, " what does
all this mean'? Will these ladies never be content? One would
think we were really sharing the inheritance of the late king our
father !"

One day I had accompanied Madame to St. Cloud, whither she
went to dine with the Princess Borghese, who then occupied the
ground floor of the palace ; the Emperor came there in the evening,
and on seeing me, said laughingly, " Well ! Madame Junot, so you
are not gone yet V — " Sire, I am waiting till my daughters are per-
fectly recovered, and shall then immediately commence my journey."
— "Do you know," said Madame, "that you ought to leave me my
ladies ; here is Madame Junot, who has been absent from her duties
for a twelvemonth, and you are going to send her to Italy." — " It is
not 1 who send her, it is her own pleasure to go ; ask her yourself!"
and looking at me with a smile, he made me a very significant sign ;
in such moments as these his countenance was charming. " Well !
why do you not say that it is yourself who are positively determined
to go to Parma ?" — " But, Sire, I cannot say what is not true. I have
not the smallest inclination to go thither."

He burst into a fit of laughter; a very rare thing with him ; for
though his smile was becoming, he scarcely ever laughed aloud, if at
all. "And why is it not your pleasure to go, Madame Laurette?"
and my poor nose was pinched until it almost bled. " A good wife
should always follow her husband; it is the gospel law." — "Sire,
your Majesty will permit me to say that the gospel has nothing to do
with this case; that T am not a good wife in this particular; and—
that perhaps I might be a supernumerary at Parma." "Ah! ah!
these gossips have been putting mischief into your head ! Why do
you listen to (hem? Besides, the hen should be silenl in the presence
of the cock : if Junot amuses himself at Parma, what is that to you?
Wives must not torment their husbands, or they may make them
worse.'' This he said, not looV'ng at me, hut with his eyes turned
covertly towards the Empress, who, like, a woman of sense, seemed

not to understand him. Scenes of jealousy were becoming frequent;

and, to say the truth, not without, some cause.

I had opened not only my eyes, hut my ears to whal the Emperoi

176 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

had saiil. I then knew nothing hut what I afterwards learnt; hut the
expression of my countenance as I looked at the Emperor had proba-
bly something in it extremely comic, for he again did me the honour
of laughing at me. "Well! there you are quite stupified about a
trifle ! A trifle which you wives make a great concern when you
know it, and which is of no consequence whatever when you do not.
Now, shall I tell you all what you ought to say on such occasions]
Do you wish to know?" — "1 listen, Sire." — "Just nothing! but if
like the rest of your sex you cannot he silent, if you must speak, let
it be to approve." — " Indeed !" cried Madame. — "Shocking !" said the
Princess Borghese. " I should like to see Prince Camille expecting
me to approve such proceedings." And she turned round upon her
sofa arranging the folds of her shawl.

The Empress said nothing, but she had tears in her eyes ; and I
am sure that a single word would have made her weep, which the
Emperor did not like. The tears of a woman made a profound
impression upon him, and this was why he dreaded them so much.
The man who could not, without emotion, hear the sound of the
evening bells, and it is well known that he would frequently stop in
his walk in the park of Malmaison, to listen to the church bells of
Reuil or Bougival ; the man who often avowed the particular charm
he found in seeing a delicate female dressed in white and wandering
among the trees, must needs have naturally possessed a susceptible
heart ; and no doubt he concealed its feelings under a rude and dry
exterior, till this rind became a part of his character.

The court was now very attentive to all the Emperor's pro-
ceedings. At the time of the coronation he was in love, as I then
stated, and the love was real. During my absence, some trouble
had arisen about it. The Empress had been annoyed by the conduct
of the favourite lady, who in consequence had received a recommend-
ation to retire to a watering-place. The Emperor in making this
concession was out of humour about it, as the Empress had occasion
to feel, when any new cause of jealousy arose, which, as report said,
was pretty frequently during the journey on account of the Italian
coronation ; for the Emperor, though his heart had been really
touched in one instance, never denied himself any gratification of the
kind, and his wanderings were somewhat various.

Already the departure of the Princess Louis was whispered, and
although she was about to occupy a throne, her absence could not but
be regretted in a court of which she was the life. She reminded me
of Henrietta of England. Not so the Princess Caroline. Of all the
family she was perhaps the only one who had not learnt to become a

THE PRINCESS CAROLINE. 177

Princess ; she could not leave off the satirical giggle and sneering of
the school girl, while her manners were undignified, and her walk the
most ungraceful possible. But in self-sufficiency she was perfectly
the sovereign lady ; she spoke of herself and of her person with the
highest consideration, and with a contemptuous ridicule of others
which imposed upon unthinking people. Her decisions upon all
points were as inexhaustible as they were injudicious. With an
incomparable freshness and that profusion of lilies and roses which
were enchanting when she shaded them with a fringe of embroidered
tulle lined with pink satin, half enveloped in English point and tied
with ribbons of the same colour as fresh and charming as her own
complexion, with all this her beauty did not please. Her eyes were
small, her hair, which in her infancy had been almost white, was now
neither light nor dark ; and her unfortunate sneer showed her teeth
too much, because though white, they had not the regularity of a
string of pearls like those of the Emperor and the Princess Pauline.
Her mind remained in its natural state, without any cultivation or
instruction, and she never employed herself except in scrawling at
random some pencil strokes upon white paper, which her flatterers
called drawing; as a child she had vivacity and an engaging manner;
and as she began to grow into youth just as her brother, as general-in-
chief of the army, was drawing worshippers to the star of his family,
she had her full share of flatterers ; and as some philosophy is
required to weed out from the minds of children the seeds of vice
and evil habits, hers flourished at their leisure, in spite of the good
will of Madame Campan, with whom she was boarded for two years.
Madame Campan though a woman of very superior merits had the
great fault of never contradicting the daughters of rich and powerful
families who were confided to her.

At this period the court became materially diminished by the
departure of the Princesses and the two brothers of the Emperor,
.nd the Princess Borghese being always an invalid, and occupied
solely with the care of her health, though not a very elegant amuse-
ment, it was on the Princess Caroline alone, or the Grand Duchess
of Berg as she chose to be called, that all the hopes of court gaiety
rested. She then occupied the beautiful palace of the Elysee, where,
she began to receive the court en Princes.se notwithstanding her sneer-
ing vein to which people were becoming accustomed.

M. d'Aligre was chamberlain to the Princess. I have remarked

that the Emperor had a sort of preference for, without however

liking the Faubourg St. Germain ; and whoever was of consideration

there, he was desirous of attaching to the new court. The project of

51

173 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

fusion of which he was incessantly talking, was not to be acoom-
plished by such means. How could he suppose that persons* whose
opinions, as he well knew, differed in all points from his system,
should become attached to him by such insignificant bribery. M.
d'Aligre, for example, possessor of a rental of 400,000 livres, was
not likely to be much enchanted with the office of carrying the
Princess Caroline's white slippers in his pocket, while he was in
a condition to act the petty Sovereign in his own domain. The
Emperor had another object in calling M. d'Aligre to court ; ha
proposed to marry his daughter to General Caulaincourt, and M.
d'Aligre's noble conduct in this affair, amply redeemed the white
slippers. The Emperor first had his desire or rather his will notified
to him, and finding that the business did not advance, summoned
him to his cabinet. Napoleon, at this particular period, was not only
absolute master of all that surrounded him, but exercised a sort of
fascination which made every eye drop under the eagle glance of
his. But M. d'Aligre was a father, and justly looked upon the
paternal authority as the highest of the two then in contact. He
refused his daughter to M. de Caulaincourt. The motive was a
terrible one, but he had courage enough to speak it out, and the
marriage did not take place. The Emperor was very much dis-
satisfied with this resistance, and if Duroc had not opposed the plan,
he would have taken the young lady out of her father's hands, and
commanded the nomination of a family council, conjointly with the
imperial attorney -general, to dispose of the hand of Mademoiselle
d'Aligre, since her father, for reasons which reflected on the honour
jf the government, refused a match in all respects suitable. The
Emperor, sometimes, in his first impressions, gave way to terrible
explosions of passion ; and so eccentric and unjust would his actions
be under their influence, that his most faithful servants could not
more beneficially display their attachment than in taking upom them-
Belves to supersede proceedings commanded thus ab irato. The
mest curious part of the business is that Caulaincourt was at this
moment passionately in love with a beautiful woman, whose love was
vastl\ more precious to him than Mademoiselle d'Aligre. Although
the Emperor was angry that his authority was compromised between
M. d'Aligre and him, M. de Caulaincourt was perfectly determined
not to accept the hand which the Emperor was desirous of covering
with the bridal glove. How many times during the years which
the Empire lasted have I seen unions, formed under such auspices,
become the fruitful sources of misfortune and discord !

The Princess Pauline was a complete mimic, which however was

THE BONAPARTE FAMILY. 179

hoi at all becoming to her. She would rally a brown complexion,
though it was neither generous nor in good taste, because her own
was very fair. Another raillery to which she often condescended and
which had not common sense, particularly in an imperial Princess,
was mimicking the style of walking of all her female acquaintances.
Thus at the rehearsals of the quadrille, she had a full view of every
new-comer from her station at the upper end of the gallery, and made
her satirical remarks upon each. The great difference in the figures
of the sons and daughters of the Bonaparte family, while their counte-
nances are so similar, is very extraordinary. Their heads are in the
same type; the same features, the same eyes, the same expression,
(always excepting the Emperor), beyond this nothing can be more
unlike. The Princess Borghese is an elegant nymph. Her statue, by
Canova, moulded from herself, is that of an enchanting being. It has
been asserted that the artist corrected defects in the leg and bust. I
have seen the legs of the Princess, as I believe all have who were
moderately intimate with her, and I have observed no such defects;
indeed the perfection of their make may be inferred from her walk ;
it was slow, because she was indisposed ; but the grace of her move-
ment showed that the members were happily formed. How finely her
head was inclined, and how beautifully it turned upon her shoulders !
The only imperfection of her person was that the ear wanted its curl.
The Grand Duchess of Tuscany was ill-made; her bones were square
and prominent, and her arms and legs seemed tacked to her body just
as it happened. The Princess Caroline required a body at least two
inches taller to be in proportion to her head. Her shoulders were
certainly fat and fair, but so round and high that her throat was lost
in them ; and the motion of her head, that motion so graceful in a
woman, and above all so important in a Princess, became altogether
disagreeable and almost vulgar. Her hands were white and mottled
and of that transparent fairness which has something ideal in it, and
reminds one of what we may have dreamt of the inhabitants of the
air. Nevertheless, I prefer the hand of the Queen ITortense..

The brothers were equally dissimilar. The Emperor, the King of
Spain, and the King of Holland, were all three perfectly well made,
th nigh small ; while the persons of the Prince of Canino, and the
K:Jg of Westphalia, were as much in contrast with them and with
each other as their sisters. The King of Westphalia's head and
shoulders resembled the Princess Caroline's; ami the Prince of Canino,
much taller and larger than his brothers, exhibits the same want of
harmony in his form as the Grand |)ncliess of Tuscany. There is ona
point of general resemblance, one countenance, that of Madame Me"e,

180 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

In which all her eight children might be recognised, not only in the
features, but in the peculiar expression of each.

Prince Louis Bonaparte was recognised King of Holland on the
5th of June this year. Holland sent her ambassadors on the occasion;
the court was at St. Cloud, where the Emperor received the deputation
with great delight.* I believe he was more fond of Prince Louis than
any of his brothers, except Joseph ; and his affection for the Princess
Louisa and her children was paternal. So fine a kingdom as that of
Holland was a noble proof of attachment to offer to his brother and
sister-in-law. He did not very well understand a system of resistance
to his will ; he expected implicit obedience, and considered that his
family should find their happiness in it. But he found in his brothers
an obstinate resistance to his authority, founded upon honour and
their consciences. The conduct of Louis in Holland is worthy of the
highest eulogium ; Holland still remembers it with gratitude.

I have not yet delineated the domestic circle of Joseph, now King
of Naples ; him who, as senior, would have been the chief of the
Bonaparte family, if the great man had not displaced him. Joseph
Bonaparte, like all his brothers, was born in Corsica, but speaks
French with less of a foreign accent than any Corsican I ever knew.
You would seldom see a better countenance ; it is that of the Princess
Borghese, with the masculine strength and expression, and possessing
a mild and intelligent smile. Entering upon life at a period when dis-
order was triumphant, and servility and impudence were alike the
road to power, his first actions gave hopes of a disposition of humanity
and beneficence, which the subsequent course of his life has fully con-
firmed. He is well read, not only in our literature, but in that of
Italy and England. His studies, always seriously pursued, were con-
tinued much beyond the term prescribed by custom. He loves poetry
and the belles-lettres, and takes pleasure in surrounding himself with
learned and scientific men. It has been said that his character is weak
and false. He has goodness of heart, gentleness, clemency, and accu-
racy of judgment. These qualities, except the latter, could but be

* Xapoleon presented his nephew, the 3*oung Prince Louis, to the deputation,
tnd desired the child to show his regard to his future subjects. A Prince of five
years of age would naturally suppose that he could offer no better proof of his
respect for his visitors than the recitation of his last task; he accordingly re-
peated for their edification the fable of the frogs asking Jupiter for a king. Sa,
at least, it was believed at the time. Napoleon was greatly incenaed at the jest
h« did not like this sort of trifling with power.

QUEEN JULIA 181

mischievous to him in a revolted country, over which he was called to
govern by the aid of force and constraint. His conduct, during his
unfortunate reign in Spain, was nevertheless admirable. The situation
of Napoleon's brothers has always been painful as soon as they have
been placed upon a throne : he wished to make them sovereigns, but
expected from them the submission of prefects. He met with a
resistance from them which did them honour. King Joseph left
France with great regret ; he entreated his brother not to force a
crown upon him ; he preferred " to reign at Mortefontaine." He was
a good father ; even a good husband, notwithstanding the reports to
the contrary ; and a constant friend.

Among the indigent inhabitants of Paris, the name of the Princess
Joseph, Queen of Spain, w\as held in great respect ; all such as were
existing when she lived at Paris, and who reside there still, will not
fail to remember the virtues of this angel of benevolence. Without
being handsome she was charming; she amply made amends for the
want of beauty by being virtuous, charitable, and perfectly indulgent.
Queen Julia, as she was called to distinguish her from the Queen of
Charles IV., was conscious of the importance of the art of command-
ing, but rejecting all adventitious aids, she based it upon genuine
modesty and dignity of sentiment. She disliked show, whether in her
actions or her dress. Always simply attired, she wore jewels only
when necessary to the due illustration of her rank. The Emperor
held her in high esteem, and was affectionately attached to her. Her
husband venerated and loved her dearly. He has had a somewhat
stormy life, it is true, as a man of pleasure; but his natural goodness
of heart always preserved him from exposures which might have
given pain to his wife. He loved her as a friend, and as the mother
of his daughters. The Queen Julia's dep^-iure for Naples was a
great grief to Madame Mere, who, since the death of Madame Lueien,
loved her more than any of her other daughters-in-law. Madame did
not love the Empress Josephine; though, to say the truth, the conduct
of the Empress towards her had since the coronation been every thing
sa3 could desire. Whether her own good fortune made her more
affectionate towards her relatives, or whether the Emperor had com-
manded it, it is certain that a great improvement was perceptible in
the Empress's attentions to Madame.

Some time before Junot's return, we had a foretaste of the Empe-
ror's projects of nobility, not only by the creation of some orders of
chivalry, but, also by the almost, feudal investiture of M. de Talley-
rand. It was in the month of June, 180G, that, this man, whom

182 NAPOLEON, HIS COUET AND FAMILY.

Napoleon then believed devoted to himself and his dynasty,*' was
named by him Prince of Benevento.

I was one evening employed in giving orders for my departure,
and about to commence my journey in two days, when General Ber-
tram!, the aide-de-camp to the Emperor, was announced. As he did
T:«>t visit me I was rather surprised to see him. This surprise was
increased when he informed me that it was the Emperor's command
that I should abandon my journey to Parma ; at the same time he
expressed his own opinion that this measure boded no harm.

As my daughter Josephine, though recovered, was still but con-
valescent, I was rejoiced not to be obliged to expose her to the
fatigue of so long a journey. It was the 7th of July, and the heat
was oppressive.

My departure being indefinitely delayed, I resumed my duties,
and took my turn the following week in waiting upon Madame. I
accompanied her on Sunday to the family dinner at the Tuileries.
We dined at a table at which the Empress's lady of honour presided ;
und afterwards repaired to the Emperor's saloon in waiting. On this
day, the Emperor sent for me into the cabinet where the Princesses
were. He was standing before the chimney, though there was no
fire, and was observing my courtesies of ceremony with an air of
mockery, almost provoking. " Well ! Madame Junot, people always
improve by travelling; how gracefully you courtesy now ! Does she
not, Josephine ?" and he turned towards the Empress. " Is she not
elegant? No longer a little girl, but Madame 1'Ambassadrice ! —

Madame ," and he looked at me with an expression so sly,

and almost subtle, that I blushed without knowing why. " Well !
what would you like to be called ? I suppose you know, that there
are not many names worthy to supersede that of Madame 1'Ambas-
sadrice ?"

In pronouncing these words, he raised his voice ; but he was evi-
dently in high good humour. Never, perhaps, had I seen him so
disposed to chat gaily. He still looked at me, and I smiled. He no
doubt understood me, for he immediately said : " Oh ! I know very
well that you wish to learn why you are not upon your travels ; is it
not so ?" " It is true, Sire, and I even wish to ask your Majesty,
whether we poor women are also subject to military discipline? be-
cause otherwise ." I cannot describe the suddenness of his

interruption. His look and his words were like lightning ; all his
gaiety of humour seemed to have disappeared in a second. " Well '

• All our governments have had good cause to be well pleased with him.

CONVERSATION WITH NAPOLEON. 183

wnat would you do then ?" " I should set out, Sire," I replied, very
tranquilly, for he never intimidated me to the extent of being unable
to answer him. His good humour returned immediately. "Faith,
I have great inclination to let you," said he, laughing : " but no : stay
at home, and take care of your children ; they are ill, says the Sig-
nora Letizia ; the Empress avers that my god-daughter is the prettiest
little girl in Paris ; now I deny that she is prettier than my niece
Laititia."

" You have not told me whether you are satisfied with Madame
Junot, Signora Letizia ? And are you very glad to be placed about
my mother ?" added he, addressing me. For answer, I took the hand
of Madame, and kissed it with as much tenderness and respect as if
she had been my mother. The excellent woman drew me towards
her and embraced me. " She is a good child," said she, "and I shall
take pains to prevent her being wearied in my service." " Yes,
yes," said the Emperor, pinching my ear, " but be careful in particu-
lar that she does not go to sleep in overlooking your eternal reversis
and in gazing till she is blind upon that picture of David's, which,
\owever, is a speaking lesson to those who shed their blood in battles ;
it reminds us that all sovereigns are ungrateful.^*

I was thunderstruck ! I had said these very words only two
evenings before, in a party of four persons only, whom I will not
name. But I have always remarked that the Emperor never took
offence unless he had the leisure, inclination, and opportunity to
punish. At that time my words had no ill effect upon him ; he only
said, with a serious and very affectionate expression of manner,
" They are not all so." Madame, who was not. always quite mistress
of what was passing, owing to her difficulty in following the conver-
sation in the French tongue, understood from the expressive counte-
nance of her son, that something remarkable had been said, and she
took up the conversation : " Ah !" said she, " Junot has no reason to
fear being forgotten by us ! I shall remember to the end of my life
the day when he came weeping and kissing my hands to tell me that
you were in prison. He wished to deliver you or to die with you.
Oh, from that day 1 took him to my heart as a sixth son." " Yes,"
said the Emperor, " Junot is a faithful and loyal friend, and a brave
fellow ' Adieu, Madame Junot, adieu ;" and making a sign with his
hand, he smiled affectionately on me as he withdrew to his private
cabinet. In opening the door, he slopped again, and looking at me
as 1 courtesied to him, he added : " But this court of Lisbon has

* Belisarius, purchased by Lunien, and left by him in the saloon of tin
Hotel de B.i> nne.

184 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

made you quite a court lady, do you know that, Madame Junot'?"
This scene made me reflect upon what several of my friends had
been saving for some days past. It was whispered that Junot wag
appointed governor of Paris : reports of war were also heard ; but
at this time all political news was so doubtful and so cautiously
hinted, that nothing could be received as authentic till it was no
longer a secret from any one. It was also said that the movements
in Paris would have made no noise during the campaign, if Junot
had been at the head of its military government. The Emperor's
confidence in his coin-age was equal to that he reposed in his fidelity,
and in fact such a choice would accord well with a probable military
absence of the Emperor, when it was important that the place should
be filled, not only by a person devoted to the Emperor, but by one
whose character, being well known to the Parisians, would form a
mutual guarantee to them and to Napoleon. A few days after this
conversation, I had gone to spend the evening with a friend, when a
message was brought me, announcing Junot's arrival. As it was very
fine, and I had sent away my carriage, I immediately set out on foot
to return home. In the Rue de Choiseul I met my husband, who,
impatient to see me, had put himself into the carriage which was
coming to fetch me. He asked me if I had any notions which could
lead him to guess the track he ought to take, as he was totally igno-
rant of the cause of his recall. I told him a few wrords that General
Bertrand had said upon the subject, and we agreed that there could
be nothing alarming in it. The next day Junot went to the Tuileries,
and the Emperor received him wdth the most cordial kindness.

" Ah !" said he, on his return home, as he had already said at
Arras, " gladly would I give my life for that man." The Emperor,
however, had said nothing ; he had merely given him a gracious and
affection" te welcome, and had infused into the interview the character
of that amicable confidence which marked the happy days of the
army of Italy. Many reports were afloat at the time, and every one
had his own conjectures. Prince Louis had been recognised King of
Holland ; he was therefore no longer governor of Paris ; a sort of
overture on this subject was made to Junot by the Princess Caroline,
upon which he remarked to me : " Of all the favours the Emperor
could grant m?, to be governor of Paris would be the highest point
of my ambition." But still the Emperor said nothing. He treated
Junot with the greatest kindness, but not one word escaped as to the
reason of his being recalled from Parma, where he was still wanted.
The Emperor, however, never saw him without closely questioning
aim about this insignificant corner of Italy.

JUNOT APPOINTED GOVERNOR OF PARIS. 185

CHAPTER XVIII.

Jcnot appointed Governor of Paris — Battle of Maida, and General Reignier —
Madame Mere at Pont-sur-Seine — Gianni, the Improvisatore — An excursion
on donkeys — Journey with Madame de Brissac — Russian correspondence
indiscreetly avowed — M. Millin — Death of Mr. Fox — Napoleon's protection
of the Jews — Marmont's victory in Illyria — The Emperor leaves Paris —
Napoleon and Henry IV. — Double character of Bonaparte — Canibaceres.

At length the mystery of Junot's arrival was explained, in a manner
most triumphant to himself, gratifying to his friends, and heaping
confusion on his enemies and detractors. He was appointed governor
of Paris on the 19th of July, 1806; the Emperor, on announcing
this preferment to him, took him kindly by the hand, and addressed
him in these remarkable words : " Junot, you are governor of Paris,
which I wish to make the first city in the world ; I have nominated
you to this important post because I know you, and I know that
under your administration my good Parisians will be treated as your
children. They love and esteem you, and will, I am sure, be pleased
to see the man to whom, on parting with him, they presented a sword
bearing so striking an inscription as that which is engraved on its
blade. My friend, you must deserve another such mark of their
esteem."

The day after this appointment, it was announced that Russia had
signed the preliminaries of peace with France. The news made a
great impression upon Change, and naturally, because it was manifest
that, unsustained by Russia, Prussia could not take up arms; and
notwithstanding the great affair of the Confederation of the Rhine, I
hoard it repeated on all sides, that it was still very importanl that
Europe should remain some time in peace. The case was different
in the south; for the insurrection which the agents of King Ferdinand
had been long preparing in Calabria, had been the forerunner of the
battle of St. Euphemia, (Maida.) one of the most painful strokes the
Emperor had experienced. We lost five thousand men in the com-
bat, and the English did not lose one thousand. General Reignier
commanded our forces. " Reignier is always unfortunate," said the
Emperor. Happily Massena took Gaeta tenor twelve days after
wards.

IS6 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

I received, in tlie month of August, a letter from Madame de
Fontanges, desiring me to join Madame Mere at Pont-sur-Seine,
where she was passing the summer. It was not my turn to be in
wailing, hut Madame de St. Pern had been taken extremely ill at
Pont, and according to appearance, it would be long before she would
be able to resume her attendance. I left Junot to be, in his turr.,
nurse to his daughters, for I would not take them with me, though
Madame had offered me an apartment large enough to accommodate
them ; but I had heard observations upon this subject, and I knew
that children are very troublesome to strangers. Besides, Junot had
given himself a sprain, which would confine him to the sofa for the
greater part of the time I should be with Madame, and I left him
without fears either for him or for them. Madame Campan had
procured me a young governess, an English Catholic, uniting, said
Madame Campan, all the qualities desirable in an instructress, but I
was not to see her, or to take her into my house till the month of
October. I therefore left my daughters under the care of Junot and
of Fanchette the nurse, and took with me only a femme de chambre
and a valet.

I cannot tell how such a chateau as that of Pont-sur-Seine came
to be purchased for the mother of the sovereign of France. The
building is handsome undoubtedly ; but a fine heap of free-stones
does not of itself constitute an agreeable residence. It is near Bri-
enne, that Brienne where the Emperor passed the first years of his
youth. Was it for the purpose of enabling her to return the atten
tious which Madame de Brienne had lavished upon the young Napo-
leon that Madame was placed there 1 I know not ; but if so, the
purpose was ill answered. Madame de Brienne was a petty sover-
eign in her demesne, the beauty of which was truly royal. Her
harsh and disagreeable countenance was in accordance with her derai-
royal air and uncourteous manners. Madame visited her the first
and second years of her residence at Pont, and was received with
great magnificence ; but however well pleased she might appear to
be while there, Madame always returned discontented from these
visits. I thought I could guess the cause : the remembrance of
f>rrner times, when Napoleon obtained an exhibition at Brienne, and
when M. Bonaparte, the father, wrote to the minister of war to re-
quest a continuation of that exhibition for one of his younger sons,
probably rose as a barrier against any familiarity between Madame
and Madame de Brienne.

The days wTere passed at Pont in a monotonous and dull routine,
which might have been thought wearisome to a person of my age.

GIANNI, THE IMPROVISATORE. 187

But 1 may be allowed to observe here, that I have never in my lifts
been subject to the inroads of ennui. We rose when it suited us,
and breakfasted at half-past eleven o'clock, that is to say at noon,
when all the society of the chateau assembled. These personages
were M. and Madame de Brissac, M. Guien the secretary, the Count
de la Ville, General Casabianca, and M. Cam pi ; the latter a man of
capacity and honesty, a republican of the old stock, and of almost
Spartan austerity of manners ; he drank nothing but water, and ate
no animal food. Besides these were the Baroness de Fontanges and
Mademoiselle Delaunay the reader, an agreeable inmate, whose
talents were invaluable in this retreat where we were almost lost to
the world.

A piece of good fortune, which I was very far from expecting,
befell us in the arrival of Gianni. I had heard of him as the cleverest
improvisatore of Italy, and was very desirous of meeting him.
"Take care of yourself. Madame Junot," said Madame, bending
towards my ear, on the day of his arrival ; " are you in the family-
way ?" I made a sign that I was not. "That is lucky," she con-
tinued, " for you are about to see a sort of monster." And in fact
the poet was prodigiously ugly. He was four feet high, with an
enormous bust, swelling into a hump behind and a hump before;
arms that would have enabled him to tie his shoes without stooping ;
and a face that was no disparagement to all this deformity. Another
person, who came at the same time, contributed much to the pleasure
of our society by his extreme kindness and politeness ; this was
Cardinal Fesch. I have seldom met with a more amiable and inof-
fensive man, or one more desirous of doing good. The Emperor was
unjust in not acknowledging the validity of his motives in his defence
of his rights. But whatever fell out at a later period, at Pont he
was a charming auxiliary in finding agreeable occupation for hours
that might have proved tedious.

After breakfast needle-work was introduced, and sometimes, in
rcry hot weather, Madame played at cards. Then we separated to
cur own apartments, or went to make visits. Then came the toilet
Mid dinner-time; and afterwards, in long summer evenings, a ride iu
open carriages on the banks of the Seine, or in the woods towards the
Paraclete. This ancient abbey, which the names of Heloise and
Abelard have rendered so celebrated, was at lliis time the property
of a man whose manner of thinking, speaking, and acting, had not
much in common with his predecessors; this was the author and
actor, Monvel.

Gianni, inspired by the memory of Heloise, proposed an excur-

188 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

sion to the Paraclete. The assent was general; but as the distance
was rather considerable, it was necessary to contrive how it should be
traversed. " On donkeys," said Gianni. It was agreed ; and, " Yes,
on donkeys," was repeated in chorus. All the cabbage-carriers of the
neighbourhood were put in requisition, and on the appointed day
twenty donkeys, in most miserable plight, were assembled in the
court of the chateau. I do not remember whether Madame de Brissac
was of the party, but I shall never forget Gianni's hunch protruding
between the ears of his ass. Madame was in an open carriage. It
was a lovely day, and we set out on our peregrination in high spirits:
my donkey, however, was not in the same case ; he had been accus-
tomed, I suppose, to carry manure to the kitchen-garden, for no other
road could he be persuaded to take, and made a most desperate
resistance to all attempts at putting him in motion in the highway.
At last the quarrel became so vehement that we parted company, the
glory of the day being all on his side. Gianni was twenty paces from
me; and the provoking man, instead of dismounting to my assistance,
kept his seat upon his ass, looking at me a few seconds as I lay upon
the ground, and exclaimed —

Laura d' un asino in giu cadde
Perche per gli asini Lauro non e.

We know that Plutarch often used the name of Laura for alloro,
or lauro.

Ho perduto il verde Lauro

Ch' er' al mio fianco alta colonna.

Though almost stunned by the fall, I could not forbear laughing at
this grotesque personage versifying from his ass, which, much better
behaved than mine, did not stir a foot during the improvisation. I
was, however, dreadfully shaken, and the traitor beast had bruised me
all over. Madame, on reaching the theatre of my discomfiture,
would not permit me to mount again, and I was bled, for my head
had fallen upon a stone. She was all maternal kindness to me in this
instance as in every other, or at least if, which very rarely happened,
she was otherwise, it was always my own fault.

At the expiration of my month's service, I requested permission
to return to Junot: my house required my presence. Since my hus-
band had been Governor of Paris, he had but once received company,
and then without the proper ceremonial : it was necessary that I should
preside. Madame understood all this admirably ; and I set out the
next day, taking with me Madame de Brissac, who, for the first time

RUSSIAN CORRESPONDENCE. 189

in her life, resolved upon a separation for a few days from her hus-
band.

" Well ! Madame la Gouverneuse" the appellation by which he
almost always addressed me, "so you let yourself be thrown by an
ass ?" said the Emperor, the first time I went to the Tuileries. As
he would not have taken the trouble of making particular inquiries
into what concerned me personally, it was evident, from this remark,
that he knew all the daily occurrences within his mother's family.
On arriving at Paris I heard an important piece of news: Madame
made a rule that politics should never be spoken at Pont: it was,
that Russia had refused to ratify the preliminaries of peace, signed at
Paris on the 20th of July. I was at that time in the habit of receiv-
ing frequent letters from Russia. The Emperor, who knew all that
was passing to an extent that I can scarcely conceive, even now that I
am acquainted with the wires which moved all his machines, some-
times asked me, jestingly, whether I had news from Petersburgh or
Moscow. " Will your Majesty permit me to tell you the very
expressions of a letter received from Moscow only the day before
yesterday ?" " Certainly." " The Russians profess, Sire, that if the
Emperor Alexander would only lead them to the Vistula, they
would be in Paris in two months." The Emperor, looking at me
with an expression to which it is impossible to do justice, said slowly,
" Have you really received a letter from Russia in which they write
any thing so absurd ? You must be in correspondence with fools."
" By no means, Sire. The writer of the sentence I have had the
honour to repeat to your Majesty is the Count Novosilzoff, correspon-
dent of the Institute of France, and one of the most scientific men in
Europe."

The next day General Duroc called, and asked me why I had
made such a report to the Emperor. " Because such a letter has
really arrived from Russia." " I suppose so, but certainly not to
you; for I am quite sure you are not troubling yourself with politics,
which would be tiresome to you, and very displeasing to the Em«
peror." "Political letters would be certainly tiresome to me; though
if I liked politics, I really do not see why my Russian correspondents
should not write or. that subject as well as about balls and fiites. But
to comfort yon, I will tell you that this alarming Letter, though it
did really come from Moscow, was not addressed to me, but to my
friend Millin. You know 1 have often spoken of this correspondence,
partly scientific and partly political ; I have read the letter, however,
and the words are such as I have described." The result of my india
cretion was an inquiry extremely disagreeable to my poor friend

1 90 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Millin. A multitude of explanations were required of him, which
distressed him exceedingly, for he was one of the most discreet and
peaoeable of men.

.Many changes took place soon after my return to Paris from
out. A great event had just changed the face of affairs in Europe ,
Mr. Fox was dead.

As prime minister after the death of his rival (Mr. Pitt), he
opened negotiations which proved his honest desire to re-establish
amicable relations between France and England. His death broke
them off, and the spirit of Mr. Pitt returned to the guidance of the
British cabinet. This was a great crisis for Europe.

It was at this moment that a fact of little importance in itself
showed the extent of Napoleon's views, and of the measures by which
he was likely to promote them. The principal rabbins of the Jewish
people had held a meeting in the preceding July, for the purpose of
deciding upon the demands they should address to the Emperor ; and
they determined to request the admission of their whole nation to a
free participation of civil and religious rights with certain modifica-
tions. A great sanhedrim was convoked, and Napoleon took under
his especial protection this people, who, rejected by all other nations,
A-ere thus receiving from generation to generation the punishment of
their crimes. The Emperor displayed his skilful policy in thus grant-
ing them his support : he knew that in Poland, Russia, Hungary, and
Bohemia, troops of this race were congregated, whose hearts, op-
pressed by persecution and misfortune, would open with ecstasy to an
honourable futurity, and would salute with the name 01 Messiah the
man who should offer it them. And these expectations were fulfilled.
All the numerous disciples of the Law of Moses in Russia, Germany,
and in Poland especially, became devoted to him body and soul ; and
he thus possessed auxiliaries in quarters of which the most interested
parties had no suspicion.

The horizon became daily more cloudy. One evening Junot
returned from St. Cloud with an extraordinary expression cf counte-
nance. He had been invited to hunt with the Emperor ; but the
time they might have been killing rabbits had been spent in discus-
sion upon the most effectual method of destroying men. Illyria was
at the moment the theatre of combat. General Marmont had gained
a victory near Ragusa, over a corps of revolted Montenegrins, who
had been joined, it was said, by some Russians. War was inevitable,
and honourable as was his charge at Paris, Junot was inconsolable,
because it would prevent his accompanying the Emperor in the
approaching campaign.

NAPOLEON AND HENRY IV. 191

The Emperor's departure was so sudden, particularly to persona
who were not in the secrets of government, that a general surprise
was manifest, and in the south some discontent. The Emperor
insisted on the strictest discipline being observed by the army on its
march through the northern departments, which consequently were
gainers by this prodigious passage of troops; but depopulation and
increased taxation were the effects through which the war was felt
in the south. All the letters which I received from Languedoc and
Gascony complained loudly. Bordeaux especially, which had so lately
hoped for a happy termination of the negotiations with England, saw
itself thrown back into a state of stagnation which was destructive
to its interests.

On the 25th of September Jnnot was invited to dine at St. Cloud
with the Emperor and Empress. The Emperor was to set out in the
night; he had observed the deep grief which Junot experienced in
not being permitted to accompany him ; and, to do him justice, he
was all kindness to his old friend ; the sovereign resumed the manners
which had formerly so much charmed Junot in the companion of his
walks in the Garden of Plants. Junot was affected, for it always
seemed to inspire him with new life when the Emperor spoke to his
heart. He told me his feelings on the following morning, saying,
" it was Sully and Henry IV." " Except," replied I, laughing, " that
you are not quite so reasonable as the minister of the good king,
and . . . ." "And what?" "And though the Emperor is a greater
man than Henry IV., it is by no means certain that he is as good."
"It is very extraordinary," said Junot, angrily, "that you, my wife,
should advance so absurd an opinion, and that to me."

Two separate and very distinct natures were always visible in
Napoleon, to the eye of intimacy. He possessed instinctively the
desire of domination and conquest, and from his childhood felt himself
destined to be master of the world. His thoughts were too expansive
to permit access to those soft emotions, which, though they may
easily be associated with great and powerful inspirations, belong only
to minds devoted to the worship of their household gods; yet Napo-
leon, though master of the world, and in a condition to gratify the
vindictive passions, never displayed the sanguinary disposition of a
Nero. I have spoken largely of the young Bonaparte; I have fol-
lowed the General-in-Chief of the army of Italy in his brilliant cam-
paigns beyond the Alps and the Pyramids; I have endeavoured to
exhibit him as I then saw him. great and immortal as his glory. I
afterwards Btudied him as head of the. state First Consul, Chief of
that Republic which he would perhaps have acted with more policy

192 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

ns well as more magnanimity in preserving pure and spotless as it
arose in 17!>1. as it expired in 1793, as it might have revived in 1800.
At the present moment I find him the same as a warrior, as a hero,
but no longer the same as a Frenchman : he is a sovereign, he is
crowned ; he now says, not my fellow citizens, but my people. Cir-
cumstances have changed, not he.

In the absence of the Emperor, his orders were to be transmitted
to the governor of Paris, through the arch-chancellor.

Cambaceres was now the second person in the Empire, excepting
the Princes of the imperial family. Much has been said of him, be-
cause in France we must always laugh at the possessors of power, if
we dare. The Emperor was moulded in too vast dimensions for
ridicule ; never even was a jest hazarded upon the preposterous points
of his shoes ; his look had the fascination of terror, and sometimes,
when he deigned to smile, of enchantment, which banished all disposi-
tion to laughter. But with Cambaceres we were more on a level,
and our satirical spirit took its revenge. But we were wrong : Cam-
baceres was not only a man of remarkable talent, a fact which will
not be disputed, but he was perfectly and graciously agreeable, and
most formally polite.

The Emperor did not like certain easy habits in which he indulged,
notwithstanding his solemn bows ; and undoubtedly the contrast
between his promenades in the Palais-Royal, his box at the Theatre
des Vurietes, his intercourse with Mademoiselle Cuizot, and his magis-
terial demeanour at his levees in the hotel d'Elbceuf, and afterwards
in the Rue St. Dominique, were enough to make the Emperor angry,
and every one merry at his expense. But the arch-chancellor was
equally deaf to remonstrance and ridicule ; he walked not less gravely
in the Palais-Royal, and indulged no less frequently in his saturnine
laugh behind the wire net work of his box at the Theatre des Varietes,
which he hired by the year. Still he was invariably kind and scrupu-
lously obliging to every one.

THE CHATEAU OF RAINCY. 193

The chateau of Raincy — A surprise — Prussian irresolution — Prince Louis of
Prussia — Magical influence of Napoleon over his officers — Battle of Jena —
Flight of the Prussians — Letters from head-quarters — Fall of Lubeck and
Magdeburg — The Emperor Alexander — Re-organization of the National
Guard — The Berlin decree of blockade — Murat enters Warsaw.

I had always passionately wished for a country residence; Junot, it
is true, had given me Bievre, but this house had become of very little
use since his appointment as governor of Paris. It was too far dis-
tant, and much too small for our family, numerous not only by the
increasing number of our children, but by the colony of relations it
was Junot's pleasure to lodge. He said to me one morning, " You
must dine at Raincy to-day ; Ouvrard has given me leave to kill
some deer there, and I wish you to hunt with me in a calash."

It was in the beginning of October, the weather was charming and
the chase fortunate. I looked with delight upon the beautiful groves
of Raincy. This chateau, notwithstanding the vandalism which had
destroyed three quarters of it, was still a noble piece of architecture,
seated in the midst of fresh verdure, and surrounded by its pretty
Russian cottage, its house of rendezvous, its clock-house, and its dog-
kennel ; I admired the pretty village at the extremity of its fine alley
of poplars, the orangery, and all the other appendages which beautify
the park. But within the house I found still greater cause for admi-
ration. M. Ouvrard had made it an enchanted palace. The bath
room was charming. It contained two basins of vast dimensions,
each formed of a single block of gray and black granite. Four
pillars of the same granite, and three curtains of white satin, enclosed
each basin as in a cabinet. The floor was in large squares of black",
while, and yellow marble; the chimney was of verd-ant'npie, and the
walls of StUCCO perfectly finished; round them stood an immensu

circular sofa of green velvet. The ceiling represented mythological

subjects admirably executed. A valuable Jamp was suspended from
the centre. On entering this superb room, I could DOt forbear ex-
claiming: "What happiness if, must be tO possess such a place aa

this'"

52

IP-i NAPOLEON, niS COURT AND FAMILY.

Junot looked at me with a smile, and taking my hand, led me to
the saloon: an immense apartment, divided into three by pillars,
between whieli stand statues holding eandelabras. One extremity is
the billiard, the other the music-room ; the centre is the reception-
room. This was formerly the bed-room of the Duke of Orleans, and
forms one of the advancing wings; its three sides looking upon the
home park, reserved for the use of the family, and from which the
deer aie excluded. The design of this portion of the park is simple
and beautiful ; a large lawn is terminated by the river, bordered by
an orangery and the house of rendezvous ; on each side of this lawn a
grove diverges from the house as far as the eye can reach, that on the
right of lilacs, that on the left of acacias. The view from the wTindow
is enchanting.

" How do you like this chateau and park ?" said Junot. — " Oh ! it
is a fairy land." — " And if by a stroke of the wand, you were to be-
come mistress of it, what would you say ?" — " I cannot tell, for that
is sure not to happen." — " Do you wish that it should ?"

I coloured at the mere thought that it might be; and looked at
him with an expression which probably pleased him, for he took me
in his arms and said, " It is yours."

There are certainly hours of bitterness in life, and no one has had
more experience of them than myself; but there are also moments,
fugitive in duration, but indelibly engraven on the mind, which are
equal to an eternity of happiness.

The fourth continental coalition, in which this time Austria dared
not join, was now avowed. For nine years the cabinet of Berlin had
been professing a neutrality, submission and loyalty, in perpetual
contrast with its warlike preparations; but the rapid advance of a
power at once martial, fortunate, and victorious, increased the terrors
of King Frederick William to such a degree, that he determined to
take refuge under the protection of Russia. Nothing could be more
burlesque than the alternations of hopes and deception which agitated
poor Prussia during Napoleon's first war with Russia. " Attention !"
she cried ; then " present !" and she was on the point of giving the
word "fire!" but suddenly came the victories of Ulm and Austerlitz,
and M. de Haugwitz is sent to Napoleon's bivouac with the King of
Prussia's congratulations. Then followed the treaty of Presburg and
the confederation of the Rhine ; and Prussia contrived a counter-con-
federation of the north of Germany, or rather the north of Europe, in
which Russia and Prussia were to form an embankment against the
approaching torrent. A beautiful queen put on armour ; and a young
man, who, but for the most insensate profligacy and the debasing

NAPOLEON AND HIS OFFICERS. 195

influence of ardent liquors, would have been a striking character,
promised the Prussian army victory and conquest ;* for with defence
only in their mouths, the four powers of the north, to which Sweden
had united herself, since a Frenchman directed her arms, have always
dreamt of carrying the sword into France, to consummate the division
of our fine provinces.

How powerful was the magic which Napoleon then exercised over
those officers who had been long about his person ! Amongst them I
reckon Duroc, Junot, Bessieres, Rapp, Lannes, Lemarois, Arrighi,
Lacuee, Rovigo, Eugene, Caffarelli, and I may add Berthier and Mar-
mont, one of whom, notwithstanding all that is said, I believe to be
innocent, the other only erring; but whatever may be thought of
their ulterior conduct, they were at the time now under review,
amongst the faithful followers of the Emperor. The abnost fantastic
empire which Napoleon held over some of these men, dates from a
period far anterior to that of his splendour. Junot loved him to the

* Prince Louis of Prussia, who exercised so great an influence over the events
of 1 806, and by their consequences over those of 1807, was not only finely
formed and very handsome, a qualification always much esteemed in a royal
personage, but he was the most agreeable prince in Europe. His education
was excellent, but unfortunately it had fallen upon a period which rendered it
nearly useless; maxims and precepts slid over the mind of a man of Prince
Louis's age amongst the confusion occasioned by the overthrow of all established
principles of morality, religion, and virtue ; and the only good notion which he
saved from the wreck, was the resolution of becoming a well-informed man ; to
be a man of virtue did not seem absolutely necessary, and, as he was a prince,
his governors and instructors took care not to compel him to any thing against
his inclinations. It was his pleasure however to learn, and of all that a man
can be reasonably expected to know, the most abstract sciences, the most varied
accomplishments, he chose to become master, and succeeded. I have seen let-
tors of liis, written in French, which would have been no discredit to a Hamilton
or a Sevigne. The Prince was not a republican ; that would have been a proof
of sound reasoning and acute anticipation ; but a furious demagogue. lb' was
not naturally evil disposed, but he was imprudent, and imprudence leads to
injustice and all kinds of excess. His capacity however was indisputable, and
his talents so varied and great* that the first artists in Europe were not willing
to compete with him. Dussck himself assured me, that the Prince surpassed
him in improvisation ; and that only a few days before the fatal battle ofSaal-
fehl, at a country house in company with the Baroness do Lichtenau, t<> whom
the Prince was greatly attached, and it is even believed married, lie beard him
play in a style superior to any other performer he had ever heard. It was to
the division of Suchet that the Prince was opposed at Saalfeld, Hie result of
which engagement, so glorious to us, so fatal to the Prussians, was the prema-
ture death of the unfortunate Prince, and the capture of one thousand prisoner*
and thirty pieces of cannon.

19G NAPOLEON, II1S COURT USD FAMILY.

extent of giving over to him, as I have before stated, the means sent
by his family for his subsistence, and would willingly have given hira
his blood.

The campaign of 180G is among those which have immortalized
the Emperor's genius. His successes of later years were mora
disputed, and his forces were in greater number, but the battle
ui' Jena was one of his most glorious days. It is singular that
the Prussians have always called this battle after the village of
Auerstadt, on the right of the Saale, between Naumberg and Dorn
berg. It was held by Marshal Davoust with thirty thousand men,
opposed by fifty thousand men of King Frederick William, with
his beautiful Amazon Queen. The victory, long disputed by Kal
kreuth and Blucher, who, animated by the presence of the King,
fought with admirable courage, was decided by the immoveable
firmness and resolution of Davoust in this perilous position. What
I saw upon the maps and plans, on which Junot traced the march of
the army, not according to the bulletins, but by the letters of his
friends, many of which I still possess, proves beyond all doubt that
the real glory of this day belongs to Marshal Davoust. The Em-
peror's head is encircled by iaurels enough to enable him to spare
some leaves to his lieutenants. These letters also speak in singular
terms of the tardy march of the corps of General Bernadotte, which
arrived very late on the Emperor's left at Jena. In recalling this
fact I referred to the notes I possess in Junot's handwriting, and
there find the same opinions expressed. From this period all who
surrounded the Emperor felt convinced that Bernadotte did not like
the Sovereign whom the 18th of Brumaire had imposed upon him.
It was long thought that his antipathy was to the crown ; but he has
since proved that it was to the man he objected. He was the cause
of infinite mischief to the Emperor.

We daily received news from head-quarters ; and I have before
me at this moment many letters speaking of the extraordinary race
of the two armies. The King of Prussia fled with such rapidity that
Marshal Kalkreuth, who escorted him, was obliged to stop ; thus
giving time to Soult to come up with and pursue him to Magdeburg.
A cousin of mine, who was young, well mounted, arid desirous of
distinguishing himself, was on the point of taking the King, who
escaped at a gallop. We had scarcely had time to read the detail?
of this astonishing battle and pursuit, when the news of the capitu-
lation of Erfurth arrived. " You cannot figure to yourself," says a
letter of Berthier, " the extent of this defeat ; it is like magic, or,
to speak in the words of Scripture, the hand of the Lord overthrew

FALL OF LUBECC AND MAGDEBURG. 197

them.'1'' Berthier was very regular in his letters to Junot; and two
days seldom elapsed without bringing us news of the Emperor, and
of the seven divisions* he was leading to Berlin with the same
facility as he would have marched them to the Bois de Boulogne.
Every day was marked by new victories, and every courier brought
us details which will appear fabulous to our grandchildren.

But of all these details that of the affair of Lubeck seemed the
most interesting. In this town, dismantled as it was, Blucher, who
might have stopped at Magdeburg, or even after passing that strong
fortress, might have chosen either Custrin or Stettin, determined to
make a last stand. Overtaken by Marshal Soult, Bernadotte, and
the cavalry of Murat, Blucher and his pursuers almost entered the
town together. An obstinate and sanguinary conflict took place in
the streets. But we were victorious, and the ultimate result of this
combat threw into our hands the commander-in-chief Blucher, the
Duke of Brunswick Oels, twelve generals, about twelve thousand
men and four thousand horses, with their baggage, artillery, and
ammunition. It is singular, but it is a positive fact, that Bernadotte
owes the crown of Sweden to this affair. Amongst the prisoners
he took at Lubeck were some Swedes, whom he treated with so
much kindness and courtesy, that, on their return home, they loudly
extolled his generosity. At a future time this was remembered,
and the Swedes, about to elect a successor to their King, demanded
Bernadotte.

This extraordinary campaign was closed in twenty-eight days, by
Marshal Ney's capture of Magdeburg ; in which an almost im-
pregnable fortress, twenty-two thousand men, seven hundred cannons,
and immense magazines of all kinds, fell into our hands: while Ney
had but eleven thousand men to surround and take the town !
It seems to be a dream. I find upon this subject a note in Junot'a
hand.

" Davoust commenced the victory at Auerstadt ; Ney has con-
summated it at Magdeburg; this campaign must be looked upon
as a single battle, in anity of time; unity of place only is wauling
to make it so. But it seems to me that this affair is also of infinite
importance in the effect it will have upon the Allies of Prussia, and
upon the remains of her army. Ney, in taking Magdeburg with
eleven thousand men, has performed the finest, feat of arma which lias
illustrated this campaign."

* These were commanded by Lefevre, Bernadotte, Ney, Lannes, Davoust|
Augeresiu, and Soult. Murat Was at tlie head of the cavalry.

198 NAPOLEON, HIS COUET AND FAMILY.

This note was written at the time on the margin of a letter of
Berthier's upon this event. It shows that Junot foresaw the great
m<»ral advantage which our rapid victory would give us over the
Russians, who with the utmost haste could not arrive in the field in
time to assist their Prussian friends ; and on the 9th of November
our troops entered Posen, exactly one month after the opening of the
campaign. Marshal Mortier took Hanover, and Napoleon imposed
a contribution of 150,000,000 francs on Prussia and her Allies. I
know that we have repaid this with cent-per-cent interest ; but what-
ever advantage Prussia might take of subsequent events, she cannot
destroy our glory of this campaign.

The Emperor Alexander is a remarkable personage in the history
of Napoleon. Was he deceived"? Did he deceive? This is an im
portant question, and one upon which the eyes of future generations
will be fixed. Some assert that he always was a deceiver, others that
he was always cheated ; and many that he was neither the one nor the
other ; because he knew and was known.

Junot had, about this time, a great labour in hand, namely, to
carry into effect the Imperial decree given at Berlin, for the re-organ-
ization of the National Guard — those battalions of volunteers originally
created by enthusiasm, and from whose ranks have sprang so many
names renowned in history. The National Guard of 1806 was organ-
ized upon the following plan :

" All Frenchmen from twenty to sixty years of age, of good
health and sound robust constitutions, are liable to be called into
service. They shall be formed into legions composed of several
battalions, to be called cohorts. The public servants shall not be
admitted. The National Guards are destined either to the service
of the interior, or to active military service. The officers, subalterns,
and privates of the National Guard, whether employed in the service
of the interior or in active military service, are subject to the military
discipline of the army."

The famous decree dated Berlin, 21st November, 1806, for putting
Great Britain into a state of blockade, was also brought to us at this
time. It was the continental system springing into life ; the condem-
nation of England. Napoleon had discovered her vulnerable point,
and his lance of fire had penetrated to her heart.

"The British Isles are declared in a state of blockade by France,
all commerce and communication with them are prohibited. All
subjects of Great Britain, found in any country whatsoever, under the
authority of France, shall be made prisoners of war : all trade in

MURAT ENTERS WARSAW. 199

articles of English merchandise is forbidden, and all English merchan-
dise, of whatever species, is declared good prize."

Notwithstanding my admiration for the Emperor, this is a fact I
cannot approve. Such terms are inexcusable. In the result of these
dispositions the Hanseatic Towns, which contained depots of British
merchandise tripled in value by the war, are designated as already in
our power. Marshal Mortier took Hanover, ar.d no sooner entered
the town than he gave orders to the inhabitants to declare under the
most rigorous penalties what merchandise they might have in their
custody belonging to Englishmen, and even what balance sums.
Bren:°n and Lubeck submitted to the same law.

Murat entered Warsaw. Brave, even to that chivalrous valour
which is the distinctive character of the Poles, he pleased this bold
and susceptible people, ever ready to follow with ardour a young
prince who would throw himself upon the enemy's batteries with the
same ease and unconcern that he would enter a ball-room. It was
upon the entrance of our troops into Warsaw that Russia declared
herself.

CHAPTER XX.

Letter from the Emperor — English manufactures prohibited — Prosperity of
France — Pleasures of Paris — The Princess of Hatzfeld — Napoleon's mag-
nanimity— Arrest of Dupuy — Junot's devotion to his friend — Madame Reg-
nault de St. Jean d'Angely — Napoleon's rudeness to her.

In speaking of time past, in returning to this period of extraordinary
glory, I cannot restrain the sigh of grief; it is bitter to recall the
past, however pleasing its images, when hope is no more. But
I have undertaken the task and I am bound to accomplish it.
My husband wrote the following letter to me from Paris when
I wis at Raincy.

'• 1 have this morning received a letter from the Emperor's own
hand dated Berlin. I wept in reading it, ami I still weep in writing
to you. The friendship of such a man is sufficient of itself to give ;i
heart to a man devoid of feeling. I have often opened mine to you
in expressing the pain I have experienced from a word, a reproach
sometimes a little hard, sometimes unjust; but the letter I have just
received is enough to efface for ever the remembrance of any pain ho
may have caused me. lie spenks to me with the dejrree of con-

200 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AM) FAMILY.

fidence which I feel to be justly my due. To die for such a mar
is no mure than my duty ; it is the duty my sons will learn
from me."

The letter which the Emperor wrote to Junot, with his own hand
throughout, was dated Berlin, 23d November, 1806. It speaks to
Junot of the importance which the Emperor attached to the entire
establishment of the continental system, and at Paris especially.

" Let your wives," he writes, " drink Swiss tea, it is as good
ns that from the East, and chicoree coffee is as wholesome as the
coffee of Arabia. Let them set this example in their drawing-rooms
instead of amusing themselves, like Madame de Stael, with political
disquisitions. Let them take care that I do not find them wearing
dresses of English manufacture ; tell this to Madame Junot ; if the
wives of my principal officers fail in setting an example, where am 1
to look for it ? This is a question of life or death to France and
England ; and I expect assistance in carrying it through from those
who are nearest to me. I rely, Junot, upon your zeal and attachment.
The arch-chancellor will communicate my orders to you."

This letter, which is very long, is perhaps the only one the
Emperor wrote in that style, which those who did not know him
intimately would think eccentric enough, but which was perfectly in
keeping with the character of a mind occupied at once with ideas of
the most contrasted littleness and greatness. The cutting short the
consumption of sugar and coffee, together with that of all colonial
produce, must not however be reckoned amongst his petty ideas.
They were brought to us from England; and the existence of England
is altogether factitious; like, her island, it is exposed to the winds and
storms of an adverse ocean ; her life, her blood is in India. The pro-
jected invasions of England were absurd, her heart is in India; nor is
it very probable that Napoleon ever meditated a serious attack upon
the British territory except in India. To cut off her exportations and
importations then was the sure way to cause her death. Her com-
merce with South America and Southern Europe had been already
reduced by our alliances, voluntary on the part of Spain, though
almost forcible on that of Portugal ; but the willingness or unwilling-
ness of these kingdoms was little to the purpose ; the object was the
same and it was equally obtained. Meanwhile our manufactures of
silk, cloth, linen, cambric, woad, madder, and red-beet for sugar, our
industry in all its branches prospered notwithstanding the war. We
had money and content. From 1805 to 1812 the lowest peasants of
France and the first officer of the Emperor were equally at their ease

AFFAIR OF THE PRINCESS OF HATZFELD. 201

equally happy in their respective stations. Then came the moment
when no doubt we should have stopped.

The state of happiness which France then enjoyed is not to be
described. The departure of some thousand conscripts inflamed by
the desire of conquest and of seeing their names in a bulletin of the
great army can only be described as a grievance to the state by men
of very perverse minds. I am not defending a later period, but at
that of which we are now speaking, France was happy, calm, proud
and full of hope.

While our eagles flapped their wings over foreign capitals, the
pleasures of winter were resuming their sway in that of France.
The Empress Josephine, after having accompanied the Emperor to
Mayence, had returned to Paris and held her court at the Tuileries ;
the Grand Duchess of Berg opened her Palace, the Elysee ; the arch-
chancellor received company in state at his hotel, and all the ministers
opened their houses. Junot as governor of Paris was also called upon
to give fetes and to receive the Empress.

The affair of the Princess of Hatzfeld just then attracted the atten-
tion of all Europe. The Empress had received from Duroc some
curious particulars respecting it. She had also received a letter from
the Emperor which she brought to show Junot. Since the Emperor's
departure, Josephine's kindness for Junot had prodigiously increased,
with what motive I shall soon explain. Duroc's letter had been
written to the Empress by the Emperor's order, as the first lines
announced ; the Emperor had also written himself, but it was only a
few words and they were very remarkable.

Duroc had played the second part in the drama of the Princess of
Hatzfeld, and his conduct had been admirable. The Prince of Hatz-
feld it was known had remained at Berlin after the departure of the
King and Queen of Prussia, and it was quite natural that a man of his
importance, if he chose to reside under such circumstances at Berlin,
should be strictly watched. It was therefore rather simple of him to
put into the post a letter for the King, in which he gave an account of
nil that was passing at Berlin, and also of the movements, number,
and sentiments of the French troops. I do not wish to exculpate the
Prince's accusers, but certainly he had committed himself very un
wisely, and I would not aver that in our own France, in the year of
grace 1814, we were not in the same measure subjected to the rigorous
examination of General Sackcn. The fact is that the Emperor, on
reading this letter of the Prince of Hatzfeld, flew into one of those fits
of rage which acquired for him the reputation of being the most pas-
sionate man under the sky. lie instantly gave orders that a military

202 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

commission should be assembled, that the Prince of Hatzfeld should
be brought before it, and that it should make its report before it
separated. On hearing this dreadful news, his poor wife, almost out
of her wits, remembered suddenly that Marshal Durocon his different
journeys to Berlin had always been hospitably received and enter-
tained by the Prince and herself. She quitted her house, in a state
bordering on distraction, sought in vain for Duroc, but learnt that the
Emperor was at Charlottenberg and Duroc not with him. She con-
tinued ner pursuit, and at length found Duroc, who was affected by
her distress. He was convinced that the Prince of Hatzfeld was lost
if the Princess could not see the Emperor that very day. lie soothed
her as well as he was able, knowing'the danger her husband stood in;
but he also knew the Emperor, he knew that in similar circumstances
his heart was capable of great and magnanimous sentiments, and he
believed that in the present state of affairs an action of clemency
would be of as much value as the addition of a hundred thousand
men to his army. " You shall see the Emperor," said he to the
Princess, " rely upon me."

The Emperor had been to a grand review of his guards ; they
were out of humour because they had had no share in the victory oi
Jena, and the Emperor, unwilling to give them the least pain, had
been to visit them ; this caused his absence from Berlin. On his
return he was surprised to find Duroc waiting for him writh an air of
great impatience. Duroc had been much interested by the despair
of the Princess of Hatzfeld ; since his interview with her, he had seen
two of her husband's judges, and had learnt that there was no hope
for him. He requested an immediate audience of the Emperor, and
followed him into his closet.

" You are come to tell me that the town of Berlin is in revolt, is
it not so % I am not surprised, but they will have a terrible example
to-morrow to cure them of the mania of revolting."

Duroc saw that the Prince of Hatzfeld was in the worst case pos-
sible. He was convinced that the only successful advocate in his
behalf would be the Princess herself; he obtained permission to intro-
duce her, and went to fetch her. The unfortunate wife, on being
brought into the presence of the man who could kill or spare her hus-
band, had only power to throw herself at Napoleon's feet. He raised
her immediately, and spoke to her with the utmost kindness. Madame
de Hatzfeld sobbed convulsively, and could only repeat as it were
mechanically, " Ah, Sire, my husband is innocent !"

The Emperor made no answer, but went to his scrutoire, and tak-
ing from it the Prince's letter held it towards his wife in silence. Shfl

AFFAIR OF COLONEL DUrUt. 203

looked at the unfortunate paper, then burst into tears, and striking
her forehead with her clasped hands, exclaimed in consternation, " Oh,
yes, it is his writing !"

The Emperor was affected it appears by the frankness which in the
hour of peril acknowledged the whole truth to him; thus leaving him
all the merit of the affair. He would not refuse it, but advancing to
the Princess put the fatal letter into her hand, saying with a graeious-
ness which doubled the value of the favour, " Make what use you
please of this paper, which is the only evidence against your husband:
when it no longer exists, I shall have no power to condemn him ;" and
he pointed to the fire which was blazing in the chimney.

The letter was burnt, and its flame was a bonfire of rejoicing for
the deliverance of the Prince. I know not whether he continued
grateful, but 1 hope so for the sake of humanity.

1 have since learnt from Duroc how much the Emperor was
affected by the candour of the Princess of Hatzfeld. Her profound
grief, entrusting entirely to his mercy, had penetrated to his heart. He
had feelings of humanity and affection, whatever may be said to the
contrary, and stronger perhaps than may be believed.

This affair of the burnt papers reminds me of another which took
place in Egypt, and in which Junot was concerned. I have before
spoken of the mutual attachment which subsisted between Junot and
Dupuy, the Colonel of that famous thirty-second of which Bonaparte
said, " I was very easy, for the thirty-second was there." On his
arrival in Egypt, Dupuy received a commission the nature of which
T cannot specify, but which obliged him to employ measures that had
been forbidden by the commander-in-chief. His expedition not only
failed, but was attended with fetal consequences. Informations were
laid against him, minutes of examination were drawn up and sub-
mitted to the commander-in-chief, and a court martial was appointed.
Dupuy was a man of romantic honour: on hearing the orders of the
commander-in-chief, he said to Junot, "I love nobody here but you — ■
1 might lose you by a stroke of one of these mamelukes' sabres. My
resolution is taken — I shall send two balls of lead through my brain.
1 prefer this much to a trial before a court martial."

Junot listened without answering; luit he knit his brow and pro-
ceeded to ask an audience of the commander-in-chief "General,"
said he, in a voice ofgreal emotion, "you believe me on my word of
honour, do you not]" General Bonaparte' looked at him with amaze-
ment, but immediately replied, "I believe in your honour as in my
own — but why do you ask me?" — "Why, I not only give you my
word of honour, hut [ will answer with my head that Dupuy is inm>

20-i NAPOLEON, 11IS COURT AND FAMILY.

cent." — " Affairs of this nature, do not concern you," said Bonaparte
angrily.— •' All ! this affair does not concern me," exclaimed Junot
loudly, "when my brother in arms says to me, 'Brother, I shall kill
myself, if they bring me before a court martial !' " The commander.
in-chief fixed his eyes upon him on hearing these strange words.
Junot repeated his request, but with no better success. He said
nothing to Dupuy about his failure, and the next day returned to the
commander-in-chief. But whether Bonaparte was thoroughly con
\inced of the culpability of Dupuy, or whether he was under the
influence of one of those fits of ill-humour, which would not admit
contradiction, did not appear, but he refused Junot's request for per-
mission to bring poor Dupuy to him, that he might have an opportu-
nity of explaining to himself the motives and cause of his conduct.
" Let him explain himself to his judges," said Bonaparte, " the affair
Is not in my hands."

Junot was wounded to the heart by this persevering refusal. He
shut himself up with Dupuy, again inquired into the particulars of the
dft'air, and made himself master of them. When this was done, and
he was thoroughly convinced of Dupuy's innocence, he again went to
the commander-in-chief, and again introduced the obnoxious subject.
Bonaparte bent his brow and murmured his displeasure. It was
already the rising wrath of Jupiter. "I have forbidden your med-
dling in this affair of General Dupuy; it is altogether a bad business;
but he will be tried to-morrow." " No, General, he will not be tried
to-morrow." " Not be tried ! why not 1 I ask," replied Bonaparte.
" For the very simple reason, that the reporting captain will want
documents to support his charge, and I defy him to produce a single
one."

Bonaparte went to his scrutoire and sought for the papers con-
nected with Dupuy's case; but they had disappeared. He turned
towards Junot, his eyes sparkling with indignation. It required all
the courage of attachment to face him in such a mood. Junot was
calm, for it was now his own fate that was in question. "It is I,
General," said he, " who have taken the papers relating to my friend's
affair — I have burnt them. If you choose to take my head in ex
change, here it is ! I value it less than the honour of a friend, of
an innocent friend." The commander-in-chief stood silently looking
at Junot, who, without braving him, did not cast down his eyes.
;' You will remain for a week under arrest," said Bonaparte at length
— " you must be treated like a sub-lieutenant."

Junot bowed and retired to his quarters. The next day Eugene
came to him from the commander-in-chief on an affair of little con

MADAME REGNAULT. 205

sequence connected with the service. lie -was surprised at finding
him under arrest, and inquired the cause, which Junot treated as a
matter of such very small consequence as to have escaped his
memory. Eugene replied he should request nis father-in-law to
release him ; because having a breakfast party the next day, Junot's
absence would be very unpleasant to hifli : but Junot refused to ask
pardon, as he called it. In the evening, however, Eugene came again
to inform him that he was released, and Junot has ever since been
persuaded that General Bonaparte sent his son-in-law to him, purpose-
ly to take advantage of his mediation.

Amongst the persons now figuring in the imperial court, was one
who is deserving of notice here, und with whom I was very intimately
acquainted, Madame Regnault de St. Jean d'Angely, of whose
husband I have spoken in a former volume. Madame Regnault was
well-born and beautiful ; she was a perfect model of a fine Grecian
head, with its exquisite outline and correct proportions. Her glossy
black and naturally waving hair, never required the aid of the curling
irons. Her teeth were white and regular. Her figure was sym-
metrical, and she never had recourse to the corset, even when she
wore a court-dress; her hand and arm, foot and leg, were small and
perfectly fijrmed ; in short, she was in all respects at the time I am
speaking, a beautiful woman. She was also extremely well informed,
had read much, and was very witty, but so modest, that you must
have known her long to become acquainted with these qualities.

In the last moments of her unfortunate husband's life her conduct
was above praise. Regnault's muscular strength was prodigious
when in a state of health ; but under the influence of that malady of
the brain which brought him to the grave it was terrible, and made it
very dangerous to approach him. His wife without any fear, or
rather without showing any, watched him as the most attentive nurse.
In this miserable state she wandered with him through Brussels,
Mons, Antwerp, wherever the unfortunate, exile could obtain the
slight favour of some hours' rest for her dying husband. A mutual
friend, alas! also proscribed, met, her in this painful pilgrimage, and
has related to me traits of Madame Regnault which must have
obtained for her the friendship of any one who had not felt it for her
already.

The Emperor, who, notwithstanding his immense genius, had
always a weak side which chained him to humanity, was liable to
imbibe prejudices against particular women : Madame Regnault was

one of those who had the misfortune, and it really was one, DOt to
please him. Kveiy one knows the manner in which his court droit

206 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

was formed ; the triple row of ladies, behind whom were ranged also
a triple row of gentlemen, all listening with as mueh curiosity as the
females to hear the speeches, polite or impolite, which the Emperor
should address to them. It is easy now to speak as we please upon
this subject, and to affect courage when the battle is over; but I will
affirm that when on a court-day the Emperor appeared at the door
which is in the angle of the throne room, with a cloudy brow, every
one was afraid ; first the ladies, then the gentlemen ; and last but not
bast, that group assembled in the deep window to the left ; that
group, generally complete with the single exception of England,
covered with jewels and chivalrous orders, and trembling before the
little man who entered with a quick step, dressed simply in the
uniform of a colonel of chasseurs. I have known women, and I have
a right to place myself among the number, who preserved in his
presence a dignity of manner, which pleased him better than silly
fear or base flattery. When he made an unpleasant speech to a lady,
and it was received with respect and spirit, he never returned to the
charge. For myself, when I have offended him, he has often passed
me at two or three successive court circles without speaking, but he
never said a word which could wound my feelings. I have heard him
do so by others, and once in particular to Madame Regnault de St.
Jean d'Angely.

It was at a ball given by the Grand-Duchess of Berg at Neuilly.
The Emperor was out of humour, and was going the tour of the
circle somewhat rudely : I believe he did not even trouble himself
to know to what lady he was speaking, till he stopped opposite
Madame Regnault, examining her dress, which was charming. A
petticoat of white crape trimmed with alternate tufts of pink and
white roses : and not a head-dress worn that night, had so beautiful
an effect as the lovely roses which Madame Regnault had embedded
in the soft velvet of her glossy black hair. If to this elegant attire,
the recollection of her regularly fine features and exquisite figure is
added, and to that the age of twenty-eight years, it must be conceded
that no idea but of beauty and interest would be likely to arise from
the coniemplation of her person. But all this graceful simplicity
seemed to increase Napoleon's ill-humour, and a bitter smile played
on his lips, as he said to her in his clear and sonorous, though solemn
bass voice : " Do you know, Madame Regnault, that you are looking
much older1?" The first effect of this speech was painful to Madame
Regnault's feelings. To be thus pointed out to the attention of a
thousand persons, of whom at least a hundred females were delighted
to catch the mortifying words, was a heavy tax upon a lady's phi

THE GRAND DUCHESS OF BERG. 207

losophy ; but a moment's reflection enabled her to give proof of her
good sense and spirit; looking upon the Emperor with an amiable
smile, she replied in a voice firm enough to be heard by all persons
around : " What your Majesty has done me the honour to observe,
might have been painful to hear, had I reached an age when youth is
regretted."

The respect and fear which the Emperor inspired, could not
restrain the low murmur of approbation which ran round the circle
Napoleon possessed tact to an extent which can hardly be conceived
by those who did not know him personally. He looked at Madame
Regnault and said nothing : but soon afterwards, passing us again, I
was standing close beside her, he addressed himself to me with a sort
of malicious smile, but with an inflection of voice almost gracious,
and said, " Well, Madame Junot, do you not dance? Are you too
old to dance?" Notwithstanding this prejudice of the Emperor
against her, Madame Regnault was always faithful in her attachment
to him, which became worship when misfortune reached him.

CHAPTER XXI.

F^les given by the ministers in the winter of 1807 — The Grand Duchess of
Berg — Danger of loving Princesses — Death of Junot's mother — Letter to
Junot from the Emperor — The army in cantonments — Murat and his plumes
— Intrigues respecting the succession to the Imperial throne — Josephine
and the Grand Duchess — The battle of Eylau — Lanne8 vermis Murat —
Bitter altercation — An unwilling conspirator — Murat and the empire — M.
de Flahault.

The winter of 1807 was very brilliant. All the ministers gave fetes.
The Grand Duchess was the queen of them all, because the absence
of the Queen Tlortcnsc, and the age of the Empress, who no longer
danced, left the field open to her. She did not appear in the character
of a complaining Princess, but as a Sovereign sure of pleasing. She
was at this time very fresh, and indeed very pretty. She dressed
very elegantly, opened all the balls with the governor of Paris,
played whist with the governor of Paris, rode on horseback with the
governor of Paris, received the governor of Paris alone in preference
to all other persons, till the poor governor of Paris, who certainly
was not an angel, and whose head and even heart, though always
attached to me and his children, was not insensible to the impressions

208 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

of the moment, could no more resist these seductions perpetually
attacking him, than the Christian knights could resist the temptations
of the palace of Armida. He fell in love — passionately in love — with
the Grand Duchess of Berg, not that she returned his love, she has
assured me that she did not, and I am bound to believe her. The
results, however, of this mischievous affair, were the misfortunes and
death of Junot. How dangerous it is to love Princesses! witness
M. de Canouville, to whom it cost his head; M. de F . . . who was
exiled ; M. the Duke d'Abrantes, exiled also ; for the vice-royalty
of Portugal, as it was called, was but a gilded exile. It is true the
predicament was sufficiently embarrassing, for M. de Septeuil lost
one of his legs, because he could not love the Princess Borghese
Truly the love of such great ladies is not all ease and delight.

A great misfortune now fell upon our family, in the loss of my
mother-in-law. To understand all Junot's distress upon this occasion,
it would be necessary to know how much he loved her. To save him
many painful hours I had concealed her danger from him, and the
stroke consequently came upon him with the shock of an unexpected
calamity. Junot loved his mother with so much tenderness, that
nothing could relieve the weight of grief with which her death
oppressed him. During the days which followed he was ill ; but
determined to attend the funeral. My mother-in-law was buried at
Livry, a small village of which M. Arthur Dillon was mayor, and the
curate was a particular friend of ours. I knew Junot's excessive sen-
sibility, and I dreaded some accident. In fact, at the moment when
the holy water was thrown upon the corpse, he fell down in a swoon
from which he was very slowly restored. For a long time he refused
to receive company, and it was only the necessity of fulfilling his
duties that induced him to go out. He never afterwards spoke of his
mother without tears in his eyes.

The Emperor wrote to him upon the occasion a very friendly
letter, full of such words as are sure to go direct to the aching heart,
when they are said by such a man as Napoleon ; and then this letter
was written wholly by his own hand, although seventeen lines long.
It is remarkable that in this letter the Emperor tutoyait Junot, and
spoke to him as in the days of Toulon or Italy. It concluded with a
curious sentence. My father-in Jaw was keeper of the forests and
waters in the department of the Cote-d'Or. The grief he felt at the
separation from the companion of his life unfitted him for business;
he felt a distaste for every thing and would not retain his employ-
ment; he wrote to his son to this effect, and at the same time
requested him to solicit from the Emperor the permission to resigo

LETTER FROM NAPOLEON. 209

it in favour of his son-in-law M. Maldan. Junot in writing to the
Emperor submitted to him his father's petition, saying that he was so
overwhelmed with grief by the death of his wife as to be unable to
fulfil the duties of his situation. The Emperor's answer as I have
said was in a strain of friendship and of the truest kindness ; but on
the subject of M. Junot's petition he wrote: — "I do not see why
youi father should wish to resign his employment; when I have seen
him I have always supposed him a man of energy and strength of
mind. What is there in common between his office and his wife]
If he is at a loss for a wife to receive company according to its duties,
let him marry again." I own that this peremptorily leads to the con-
clusion that Napoleon was not sentimental ; and it was natural. The
objects that engrossed his thoughts were too vast to leave room in
them for the multiplicity of ideas of ordinary life. He refused the
transfer of the place at that time, but granted it some months after
wards. The Emperor's letter was dated from Warsaw.

It often happens that we commit blunders ourselves which we
should think it impossible for another person to fall into. On the
evening after Junot had received this letter, he went to the Tuileries
to pay his court to the Empress. She had already learnt from the
arch-chancellor, who told her all the news that would bear telling, that
Junot had received a letter from the Emperor. Junot thinking to
interest the Empress in his father's wishes, spoke of his grief and his
desire to retire; he then repeated the Emperor's answer, and gave it
word for word, not in jest, for he was much hurt by it, but in perfect
innocence of saying anything that could at all affect the Empress.
Nor was it till she made him repeat the whole sentence, thai he began
to discover that this indifference to women and wives was likely to
prove painful to the Empress, and that in fact she was deeply
wounded by it. She was not, however, the less kind and gracious to
him, but spoke with great interest of the situation of his I'll her.

The severity of the season had determined the Emperor to allow
his troops some rest. After the battles of Pultusk and Golymin, he
el sed the active campaign, and, as Berthier said, put his army into
cantonments. This army, increased by the contingents of Holland

and the Rhine, was now immense, our confidence in it was mil nded,

and the women of France proved it, by s tranquil security which cer
tainly did not arise from indifference to the fate of their sons, their
brothers, and their friends, bul from their trusl in the man who led
them to the enemy. With him it was impossible not to conquer.

The repose of the army was not long. The Emperor left Warsaw
on the. 1st of February. I have now a letter before me, which Btatei
53

210 NAPOLEON, HIS COUHT AND FAMILY.

thai the snow lay two feet deep upon the ground, and that the ther
mometer had (alien six or seven degrees below zero. The passage of
the Vistula had become, in consequence, more difficult, the ice having
broken up the bridges. Murat, with his ever-brilliant valour, led the
van. and pushed his outposts very near to the Russian army. At
floff lu' came up with them, and his cavalry made the finest charge
that had ever been made by an army in actual battle. This boiling
courage united to coolness of forethought in action, and a real military
talent, might well procure pardon for the absurdity of his toilet,
All the world knows his little riding-cloak, a la polonaise, his schup-
skis, his schakos, his colbaks, and whole collection of the most ridicu-
lous military head-dresses that it was possible to find or invent. But
what is less known is the value of the plumage that ornamented all
these fine caps. The Princess Caroline told me herself, that perfectly
astonished at the multitude of feathers sent for by the Grand Duke,
she had made inquiries as to their price, and had learnt that plumes
to the amount of 27,000 francs had been delivered in the space of four
months. Henry IV. 's white plume is a proof that the French may
be led to victory at less expense than this.

A mysterious circumstance occurred at this period, but was un-
known to the Emperor (if, indeed, he was ever fully informed of it,
which I doubt), till after his return from Tilsit.

Although a faint rumour began to be heard about this time of the
Emperor's chagrin at not having children — a chagrin which he cer-
tainly felt, and which was sometimes manifest to his private friends,
the power of the Empress over him was solidly established ; it was
not only the power of habit, but of an essentially gentle and pleasing
influence, which, to a man like the Emperor, always agitated by the
immensity of his thoughts, was an Eden to which he retired for
repose. Nothing, then, at this time, appeared to trouble the conjugal
peace of the Empress Josephine; but there were other causes of
anxiety which would intrude, when the Emperor was exposed to the
dangers of war. Prince Eugene, her son, was beloved by all who
surrounded Napoleon, and very justly ; for he was brave, affable, a
friend to the soldier, and possessed of all the qualities wdiich could be
desired in a son of the Emperor. The Empress knew this, and was
often on the point of sounding the Emperor on the grand subject of
adoption.

But it was necessary that one person should be seduced, and this
was Junot. The Empress, without further delay, determined to enter
directly upon the business, when the Emperor opened the new cam-
paign ; accordingly, two days before the battle of Eylau, Junot was

SUCCESSION TO THE THRONE. 211

invited to breakfast with the Empress, and the strangest conversation
imaginable passed between them. They were not on bad terms, but
a marked coldness and distance had always existed between them.
Junot was respectful, as it was his duty to be, towards the Empress,
but I believe she would always have done him mischief with the
Emperor. The Memoirs of M. de Bourrienne have explained to me
the cause of her malice against Junot. I know that the coldness of
Josephine was painful to Junot. It was therefore with surprise and
pleasure that he received her overtures of unbounded confidence ; a
change which he owed to his command over so great a number of
troops, that had any unfortunate news arrived, he was in a situation
which would enable him to decide any irresolution on the part of the
people, and to impose whom he pleased upon them, with more
facility than could the Praetorian guards or the Janissaries.

The Empress began by assuring Junot that she had been greatly
instrumental in his appointment to the government of Paris. It has
been asserted to me, that she had strongly requested this favour for a
man who had not a single requisite for a general or even a soldier.
Junot also knew how much of this to believe, but he said nothing.
Tie could sometimes be prudent. This profession of the Empress set
him at ease, however; an agreeable intimacy was thrown over their
present relations, and he was all gratitude. The Empress entered
upon the delicate subject she had so much at heart, and, to do her
justice, she managed it very cleverly. She represented that the
Emperor was as liable as the meanest soldier of his army to the
stroke of a cannon-ball or other mortal wound. What, then, would
become of France? Was it to fall hack into the anarchy of the
Directory % This was no longer admissible.

"But, Madame," said Junot, "it seems to me the case foreseen
by your Majesty, has been foreseen also by the Emperor and the
Senate. King Joseph would supply the Emperor's place, King Louis
would succeed, and iii his default the two sons of King Louis, and
even in the last resort, Prince Jerome." "Ah!" said Josephine, "do
not hold the French nation so unjustly cheap as to suppose they
woidd accept BUch a prince as Jerome Bonaparte for their sovereign."

" But, Madame, without defending Prince Jerome, who is little more
than a child, 1 would remind your Majesty of your grandson, who, in
the. order of succession, would occupy the throne of France." " And
do you believe that France, still bleeding from her intestine wounds,
would run the risk of incurring new ones under a regency? I believe,
on the contrary, thai my grandsons would meet with great opposition,
bui that ni\ son Eugene would find none." Speaking afterwards of

212 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

this demi-political and intriguing adventure, Junot told me that at the
name of Prince Eugene, who was really much beloved in the army
and who was entitled to call himself Eugene Napoleon, he hesitated a
moment before he answered. At length, considering that this was
Dut an ordinary conversation, he replied with becoming reserve in
such a manner as not to compromise himself, even by an indiscreet
word. The conversation was long ; it was three o'ch ck before it
closed, and it had commenced at one.

But there was in Paris an ambition much more active, because the
Imperial crown, with which it sought to encircle the brow of a husband,
would also adorn that of the wife. Murat had a great name in the
army. Undoubtedly Lannes, Macdonald, Oudinot, and numerous
other generals, deserved as well of the country ; but Murat, as the
Emperor's brother-in-law, came before the army and the people under
peculiar advantages. His wife, the most dexterous person in the
creation, was sensible of the value of their position, and did not hesi-
tate an instant to take its inconveniences for the sake of the prospects
it offered. But as she could not go direct to the governor of Paris
and say, " If the Emperor should fall in battle, would you make my
husband king]" she said such things as were intended to provide that
when the decisive moment should arrive, he could refuse her nothing.
It was one of the most detestable combinations I have ever known.

About the middle of January the minister of marine gave a ball.
An immense crowd was assembled at it. I have been told that four-
teen hundred persons were invited. This ball wras distinguished by
having taken place on the very day of the battle of Eylau. Alas,
how many young women who quitted it fatigued and satiated wTith
pleasure, learnt eight days afterwards that it had been to them a day
of mourning and woe. The Russians were in great force in this
battle, which was one of the most murderous that ever took place.
I have heard accounts of it that make one shudder. The victory was
long in dispute, and a glorious charge of the cavalry of the guard
finally decided it.

It is difficult to judge of the events of this memorable battle as
they actually occurred ; but the application of x real intention to
discover the truth, to the contradictory evidence which is offered, will
throw good light upon facts. We have to find our way between
rocks, and I confess the most painful result of the investigation is the
conviction that the Emperor's statement is false. The bulletin relates
the affair so greatly to our advantage, that it makes us to have lost
only nineteen hundred killed and five thousand wounded. The
Prussians, according to Buschel, raise our loss to thirty thousand

XArOLEOX „ND LANNES. 213

killed and twelve thousand wounded, and state their own at seven
thousand nine hundred killed and twelve thousand wounded. Here,
then, according to this account, has a single day witnessed the last
agonies of thirty -eight thousand human beings, violently forced before
the tribunal of their Creator ! and the groans of twenty -four thousand
more struggling upon the same field of blood.

But a war arose between Murat on one part, and Lannes and
Augereau, each claiming the merit of this victory. The Emperor's
bulletin represents Murat's courage as having been the cause of for-
tune's decision in favour of the French arms; wh'le the reports of a
thousand officers, who had no friendship to flatter, and no revenge to
gratify, assert that the Grand Duke of Berg was not engaged with his
cavalry till the concluding act of this bloody tragedy. Augereau was
coarse, absolutely vulgar ; I am distressed to be obliged to connect
this word with the name of a marshal of the empire, nevertheless it is
a melancholy fact. But Marshal Lannes was so different a character,
that to see these two names conjoined is a still greater source of regret.
Lannes asserted and maintained that Murat was engaged only at the
close of the action. The crown of laurel that encircled Lannes's head
might easily spare a few of its leaves without missing them ; but he
declared that he would not permit a single one to be torn from it.
Some time afterwards, during the repose of the troops, a scene
occurred between Lannes and the Emperor, so extremely disagreea-
ble to Napoleon, that the brave and loyal soldier at length discovered
that he had gone too far. The words were strong, as was the emotion
which dictated them.

" That brother-in-law of yours is a pretending knave, with his
pantomime dress and his plumes like a dancing dog. You are
making game of me I think. He is brave, you say — and what
Frenchman is not brave? In France we poinl our finger at any one
who is not. Augereau and 1 have done our duty, and we refuse the
bODOur of this day to your brother-in-law — to his Imperial and I Joy a 1
Highness the Prince Murat. Oh! how this makes one shrug one's
shoulders! he loo must catch this mania for royalty, forsooth ! — Is it,
to stitcfa his mantle tO yours, that you steal our glory from Augereau
and me? You have but to speak, and we are to submit; but we
nave enough, and to spare — I can afford to be generous."

This conversation was reported t<> me by an ear-witness, who was
then and always about the Emperor. The scene was so much the
more violent ae the Emperor replied in the dry lone, of command,
and with all the displeasure of an offended Sovereign ; while Lannes,
alive on!}- to his anger, and the injustice thai had been done him,

214 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

perpetually repeated with a disdainful smile, which was itself sufficient
t'> complete the exasperation of the Kmperor, u So you would give
him our glory — well, take it; we shall still have enough." — "Yes,"
exclaimed Napoleon, unable any longer to contain himself; " yes, 1
shall distribute the glory as it suits me; for understand, it is I, and I
only, who give you your glory and your success."

Lannes became pale, almost faint with anger, and, leaning upon
the shoulder of Duroc, who had just come in alarmed by the increas-
ing noise of this quarrel, said in a voice trembling with emotion,
•• And so because you have marched through blood over this field of
execution, you think yourself a great man for your battle of Eylau!
— and your plumed cock of a brother-in-law, comes to crow over us.
This cannot be ; I will have my share. Then this boasted victory —
hum — what is it? — Is it those twelve thousand dead bodies still
shrouded in the snow, and fallen there for you, to preserve to you
that field of battle the ensanguined object of your wishes, now a field
of infernal horrors, because the French uniform is the insignia of its
mutilated corpses — and you deny me, me Lannes, the justice which is
due to me ! !"

This dialogue was overheard by several persons, but not so
distinctly as I have transcribed it. It was after the return of the
army, that a mutual friend of Lannes and ourselves, related to me
the whole scene. The Emperor was calm in appearance while it
lasted, but it produced a terrible effect upon him, notwithstanding his
attachment to Lannes.

We frequently visited the Empress in the course of this winter,
in which the Emperor was braving the frosts of Poland. She
suffered much uneasiness, and was very desirous that Junot should
more openly pronounce in favour of Prince Eugene. She told him
so one day, in so undisguised a manner, that on his return from the
Tuileries Junot could not forbear communicating his feelings to me.
"They will certainly give me," said he, "against my will, the
appearance of being a conspirator. What can I do under such
circumstances ? I see no possibility of coming to any resolution,
except in the case of a catastrophe I cannot so much as think of!
And even in the event of such a calamity befalling France, we have
the King of Naples; then Prince Louis and his children. I shall
never depart from the line of succession traced out by the Emperor
himself." "And Murat?" said I. looking attentively at him; for
my own observations had already unfolded to me the projects of the
Grand Duchess of Berg. But Junot was not then so for involved in
them as he afterwards became. " Murat !" said he, " Murat, Em

M. DE FLAHAULT. 215

pcror of the French! what can you be thinking of? Why not as
well give the crown to Massena, Lannes, or Oudinot? If bravery is
what we want, the generals of the army are all as brave as the blades
of their swords; and Murat, though as valiant as those I have men-
tioned and many others, is in no respect superior to them. On the
contrary, his pride and boasting make him disliked in the army.
His last folly of the uniform for his staff has given the finishing
stroke to his popularity." Junot was right; Murat was much less
popular in the ranks than Prince Eugene, whose simplicity of
manners and goodness of disposition were appreciated by all, from
the marshal to the private soldier. In the affair of the uniform,
Murat had exhibited great want of judgment. He wished to compel
his aides-de-camp to wear an uniform, which was in fact his livery :
amaranth, white and gold. At a subsequent period, at Naples, he
had the advantage, for he was King; but in Poland several officers
of his staff, at the head of whom was M. de Flahault, revolted against
a measure extremely disagreeable and repulsive to them. M. de
Flahault, a handsome youth, notwithstanding the assertions to the
contrary of the Emperor, could not endure him ; M. de Flahault,
who sang like a troubadour of good King Rene's time, was willing
enough to be a troubadour altogether, and wear the colours of the
Grand Duchess of Berg: but he would not wear these same colours
in the fashion his general would impose them; and the affair gave
rise to a sort of insurrectionary movement in the Grand Ducal staff,
the result of which was that M. de Flahault ceased to wear the
colours, either of the Grand Duke or Grand Duchess of Berg, and
was transferred to the handsome stall* of the Prince of Neufchate,.

CHAPTEE XXII.

Success in Russia — The great Sanhedrim — The Empress and patience— Napo*
Leon' illegible Letter — Extraordinary visit of i i l<- Princess Borghesi — ll«»r

chamberlain — Household of the Prii ss— Madai le ( !hampagny — Madame

de Barra Marchioness de Brehan Mademoiselle Millol —Representation of

"The Barber of Seville" M. de L ;champs — Mademoi elle Mare— Royal

actresses — Courl scandal [neon tancy of fortune.

During the discussion of these weighty matters, affairs of quite •■>
diffcrenl nature arose; Suchet and Oudinol gave battle to General
Essen al Ostrolenka. An officer wounded in this engagement writes,

216 NAPOLEON, HIS COUliT AND FAMILY.

thai the day was one of the mosl sanguinary of the whole campaign.

Its success is attributed solely to the skilful manoeuvres of Suchet,
and the intrepidity of Oudinot. I was shown the position of the two
armies on the table of Junot's cabinet, by the little black and red
marks, placed to represent the Kussians and French, for as to the
Prussians they had been scattered before the winds, and were nc
longer in question.

The present was a remarkable crisis in the political history of the
Jews. The great sanhedrim, which had assembled in February,
terminated its sittings on the 8th or 9th of March ; and the result of
its conferences was sufficiently important to occupy tome portion of
our attention. This ancient nation, whose strange destiny it has been
to wander for fifteen centuries under the weight of the divine an-
athema, was now offered an habitation, and in acknowledgment of the
asylum and protection afforded them, voluntarily submitted to the
laws of the land which received them. Polygamy was abolished,
with a clause the wisdom of which I could not hut admire. The
sanhedrim declared that the obligations of their law were twofold,
religious and political ; and while the former wrere absolute, the latter,
intended for the internal regulation of the Hebrew nation in Palestine,
could no longer be applicable to a people destitute alike of country
and of civil policy.

The Empress, it is well known, was fond of the game of patience.
Every evening the packs of cards were placed upon the table, and
patience proceeded, while that of the spectators was sorely tried.
As her love for the Emperor was sincere, and her solicitude, I am
persuaded, was as great for the individual as for the sovereign whose
crown she shared, she had recourse to every means of tranquillizing
her anxiety ; and as cards proved amongst the readiest, they were
continually resorted to. One evening when 1 was with her, having
exhausted her favourite game in every variety of form, the Empress
wondered whether a courier would arrive that night: it was nine
o'clock. '• 1 cannot make up my mind," said she, "to retire to
rest till I am satisfied whether there will be any tidings for tne
to-night."

She recommenced the great patience, and before it was half
accomplished was certain she would succeed, which accordingly she
did; and scarcely was the last card placed on the last pack, when
the Arch-chancellor entered, with his usual solemn pace, and delivered
to her Majesty a letter from the Emperor; a letter the more agree-
able to her as it announced that the army would repose, during the
month of March, in cantonments between the Vistula and the Pas

VISIT OF THE PKINCESS BOKGHESE. 217

sargue. This last particular is impressed on my mind by the
circumstance of an entire line of the Emperor's letter containing the
names of the two rivers being utterly unintelligible to the Empress.
It was handed to us to decipher if we could, but with equal ill success ;
for my own part I could as easily have read the inscription on
Cleopatra's needle. At length Junot arrived, and as he was even
more accustomed to Napoleon's handwriting than the Empress
herself, the incomprehensible line was made over to him, and he
read it.

" Really," said the Empress, " it is very fortunate for me that
you took it into your head to fetch Madame Junot, otherwise we
should have seen nothing of you, and I should have remained in
ignorance that the army was stationed between the Vistula and the
Passargue."

This was mildly spoken, but Josephine was visibly hurt that
Junot paid her no other attention than was due to the Empress.
She laughingly whispered a few words in his ear; upon which Junot
coloured and looked round to see whether I was listening or observ-
ing, and replied in a tone which made it apparent that he was piqued
in his turn.

I was poorly at this time, without positively knowing the cause
of my malady; I guessed it with indescribable joy, for it seemed to
give hopes of a boy after my five girls. In consequence, however,
of this slight indisposition, I kept my bed somewhat later of a
morning, and had not risen from it on the day following the incident
of the letter when I heard several voices in my saloon, and suddenly
my bedroom-door was thrown wide open and the Princess Borghese
was announced. "Well ! my little Laurette, so you are ill 1 1 can
easily believe it. You are vexed : hey? Come (ell me all about
it." And jumping on my bed she established herself on my feet
quite to her satisfaction, and regardless of any inconvenience she
might cause me. I rang for some pillows, that I might ail up and
offer my duty as a lady of the court, instead of thus remaining in
my nightcap in presence of so august a personage; but she would
not sutler it, and we had the strangest conversation possible. "So,
so. Laurette, tell me why you have not given me a fete al your
country-house of Raincy ?" — "Because, as your Imperial Highness
can scarcely bear the motion of a carriage, I did not, imagine you
could hunt, which is tin' only fete we ran offer you at Raincy." —
" And why should not I hunt as well as Caroline? Your fetes are.
all for her." — "But, Madame, you do not ride on horseback." —
What does that Bignif) ? 1 could follow in my palanquin. Hava

218 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

you Been my palanquin?" — "No, Madame,. . . .but (hat is no
OODsequevce, you cannot hunt in a palanquin." And the idea struck
my fancy as so perfectly ludicrous that I could not avoid laughing.

•• Very well ; they all laugh when I tell them I can follow the chase
with my bearers. M. de Montbreton tells me I have not common
sense. But we shall see; I want to consult Junot about it, where ia
he?" 1 rang and inquired for Junot : he was gone out. "Ah! ah!
gone out already ! Really he is very early in his visits. Perhaps it
is for the Empress's fete; he is director in chief of every thing that is
done at the Elysee. You ought not to allow it," added she, with an
air of seriousness quite amusing. " I have no control in such mat-
ters," I answered with a heart a little swelled, for I understood her
allusion. "But what fete do you mean, Madame?" — " Why the 19th
vi March, to be sure, St. Joseph's day. We are to fete the Empress,
our sister. We are to perf jrm a comedy at Malmaison ; you are one
of the principal actresses. What, do you know nothing about it, my
little Laurette?"

A message was that moment brought me from the Grand Duchess
of Berg, desiring to see me ; to which I answered that I would hasten
to attend her commands : but it was not easy to get rid of such a
personage as the Princess Borghese. I was obliged to listen to the
full detail of her projected costume and singing ; then to complaints
against such of her ladies as had. been wanting in respect. Then she
talked of the Emperor's victories, of my night-gown, and then again
of her dress for Rosina; it was the most discursive tete-a-tete imagin-
able. She was determined to perform Rosina on the occasion ; a
complimentary song was to be added to the music lesson, and that
affair would be settled. Then followed lamentations sufficiently
comic, addressed as they were to me, on Junot's having forqotten
how beautiful she was .... Oh, the strange being ! Suddenly she
exclaimed in an ecstasy, "My little Laurette, do you know my new
chamberlain ?"— " No, Madame ; who is he ?"— " M. de Forbin." My
brother was well acquainted with him, but I had seldom seen him ;
though I knew that he was both sensible and agreeable, and that his
elegance of manners and distinguished merit naturally fitted him for
the situation to which he was appointed. " What, my little Laurette,
do you not know my new chamberlain !" She leant over me and
pulled at once all the three bell-ropes at the head of my bed. My
valet-de-chambre and women came running in all together. " Send in
the gentleman who is in the saloon," said she to the valet-de-chambre;
»nd in walked M. de Forbin.

I do not know whether I am infected with the prejudices of

THE CHATEAU OF RAINCY. 219

persons who are growing old, but I must say that in my opinion the
present day does not produce men so attractive for talents, manners,
and personal appearance, as numbers who figured at the period of
which I am writing, and amongst whom M. de Forbin was eminently
distinguished. He was well formed and handsome ; his language was
remarkable for grace and elegance, and his abilities in painting, poetry,
and literature, made him the most delightful drawing-room companion
in the world. Such was the M. de Forbin, whom the Princess Borghese
brought into my chamber while I lay in bed, to show me her chamber-
lain ; for her state household was as yet a splendid novelty, the estab-
lishment being composed of persons no better suited to each other
than that of Madame Mere.

Madame de Champagny (Duchess de Cadore), wife of the minister
for foreign affairs, was lady of honour. * have met with few women
so indifferent to their person as was Madame de Champagny. She
was the most worthy but wearisome, the most tender yet least femi-
nine, woman I have ever known. Her tenderness indeed was all
reserved for her husband, who might fairly be cited as a model of ex-
cellence in every respect, but seemed to have been gifted by a wicked
fairy, who neutralized all his good qualities by a most disagreeable
exterior united with towering pretensions. He spared no pains to
please, flatter, and oblige, in pursuit of susceptible women who might
make him happy ; but he unfortunately carried in his own person an
antidote to all his efforts.

Madame de Barral, now Madame de Septeuil, was a tall, hand-
some, and graceful woman, with too small a head for her formidable
stature, but she was sprightly and altogether agreeable. The newly-
married Marchioness de Brehan, daughter of M. de Cressy, was hand-
some, well made, with an air of fashion, and a most fascinating address;
pretty light hair, feet eminently French, that is to say peculiarly
small ; a skin of satin, and beautiful teeth; and combined with all this
a keea and lively wit, which never gave offence. Mademoiselle Millot,
since become Countess ofSalucca, was indisputably the most remark
able personage of the Princess's household. The grand-daughter, or at
least the pupil ofPougens, her education was perfect, if I may use the
expression, especially for the age, and sown in a soil which nature had
provided with every requisite for fertility. Her acquirements were
masculine, but her talents feminine, and of the most pleasing kind.
She could talk of trifles, of dress and public sights; and then would
join a conversation on the highest subjects, which she knew how to
direct with peculiar address. She was not pretty; her eyes were
small and Chinese; the turn of her ideas was however, unfortunately

220 NAPOLEON, HIS OOURT AND FAMILY.

far too original for a woman, whose thoughts should all be subjected
to inviolable rules of propriety, and to this she owed misfortunes
much to be pitied, and a premature death. She was the author of an
historical romance, entitled Forcarini, or the Practitioner of Venice
comprising all the imagination which the age demands, together with
all the valuable instruction that knowledge such as hers could furnish.

The household of the Princess Borghese was doubled, when subse-
quently Prince Camille was appointed Governor-General of Piedmont.
Mesdames De la Turbie, De Cavour, and De Mathis, were the Italian
ladies then added to it. Of the latter the Emperor Napoleon was so
enamoured as to write her several letters a day ; and this (notwith-
standing the contempt with which he affected to speak of the inhabi-
tants of the south) nearly about the same time that he gave proofs of
attachment to Madame Grassini and Madame Gazani.

The whole establishment had been summoned to deliberate upon
the piece that should be selected for the Empress's fete. Let it be
understood, that the two sisters-in-law thought no more of the Em-
press than if ber name had been St. Lucia. They were determined
on a fete, and a fete in which they should play the principal parts and
attract universal applause. Could the party have been transported
to Madame de Genlis's Palace of Truth, this would have appeared as
the really actuating impulse. The Princess Pauline therefore insisted
on the representation of the Barber of Seville, " Because," said she,
"I shall play Rosina to admiration." " But, Madame, it is an opera."
"I do not mean the opera, but the French piece translated; I have it,
and very well translated." " But, Madame, it is very long, and, be-
sides, it is for the Empress's fete. Nothing could be so suitable to
the occasion as" . . . . " Really," said she, quite irritated, " she must
be very hard to please ; what can she wish for but that we should be
amused. Well, it will well suit me to perform the comedy, and take
the part of Rosina. How pretty I should look in the black and pink
hat, and the little pink satin dress, with an apron of black blond!"

The Princess Caroline, who had far more sense than her sister
(although I cannot subscribe to the extraordinary pleasantry of M. de
Talleyrand in saying she had the head of Cromwell placed on the
shoulders of a pretty woman), had set her mind on a part contrived
expressly and exclusively to show her off. The two sisters could not,
therefore, be brought to agree, and the great sanhedrim which had
just closed its sittings cculd not betray more irresolution than the
present council. A lucky motion was at length made to consult
Junot, whose opinion was fortified by former credit with one sister
and present credit with the other. I will not say whether this was

PRIVATE THEATRICALS AT MALMAISON. 221

wholly attributable to the strength which friendship acquires from the
recollections of infancy; but, however derived, he had sufficient influ-
ence with both to induce them to abandon the project of performing a
great drama, and to play two small pieces composed expressly in
honour of the day, telling each that her part might be made as promi-
nent as suited her own inclination. M. de Chazet was to compose one
of these pieces ; the witty, agreeable M. de Longchamps, at the com-
mand of the Princess Caroline, the other; and he never failed to
charm, whether giving parties of pleasure, sketching after the most
caustic manner of Teniers the pilgrimage of s.n old maid, warbling
the despairing strains of a patriot on the eve of exile, or simply in the
chimney-corner relating some old legend with that grave spirit and
interest -which is the exclusive gift of nature, and cannot be acquired
by study. He produced the affecting ballad of We must depart!
Adieu, my Laura (so beautifully set to music by Boieldieu), at the
moment he was himself embarking for his exile in America ; and was
also the author of My Aunt Aurora. Spontini, known to the musical
world by La Vestale, was to contribute the music.

No sooner were the pieces prepared than the parts were dis-
tributed ; and now the eagerness to be Prima Donna appeared in its
full force. The male characters were fairly assigned ; but as to the
female, it mattered not whether they were or were not suited to the
talents df their several representatives, provided those of the two
Princesses were carefully worked up and comprised all the interest
of the pieces. Our only resource was in playing something less
badly than our imperial coadjutors, and in that respect we had full
latitude. The actresses, besides the two Princesses, were la Mare-
chale Ney, Madame de la Valette, and myself. The gentlemen,
Messieurs de Brigode, d'Angosse, de Montbreton, and Junot; besides
another who acted a subordinate character, and whose name I have
forgotten. La Marechale Ney acted an old grandmother with the
talent she uniformly displayed, for I never knew her to do anything
otherwise than well, but her part was not very formidable.

The pleasure of this comedy was certainly not so great to its ulti-
mate audience as to ourselves during our three weeks' rehearsals ;
not that the matter was uniformly laughable I" us all; to me. |l>r
example, when, on entering one of the palaces at which we were

to rehearse, an equipage Struck my vision with amaranth liveries,
turned up with yellow, and laced with silver — that is to say. my

own: but where was the person the landau had conveyed1? Not in
the gallery! 1 found, in Bhort, that a council was holding; hut, not in
the fashion cf the Cornedie Frangaiset to which the dramatic, corpi

222 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

were admitted, and each allowed to give an ((pinion. In our company
we had not even the liberty of remonstrance.

The Princess Pauline, as an actress, acquitted herself tolerably
well, but her singing was so outrageously out of tune that it waa
scarcely endurable. It was. besides, sufficiently ridiculous to see her
carried into the middle of the theatre (for the state of her health pre-
vented her walking), and there, in her arm-chair, rehearsing the part
ot' a young affianced bride. Who was her lover? I do not remem
ber. unless it was M. de Brigode, who in the second piece performed
Lolo Dubourg admirably. Madame Ney and Madame de La Valette
also performed in the first piece, the former extremely -*-ell. As for
Madame de La Valette, M. de Chazet, who was her aistructor, ex
claimed, rather angrily, " Cannot you, dear madam, express a little
more emotion] rather more tenderness, I conjure you! Really one
would suppose you were asleep.1'

His reproach was just. It would be impossible to speak or move
with more monotony or cold indifference ; she was perfectly pro-
voking ; an animated statue, but not animated like Galatea with the
sacred fire of the heart. And yet this woman, who appeared so cold,
has proved that her soul is warmed by the noblest passions.

In the second piece Junot was a lover, a character not at all
adapted to his comic talent. It was love in its utmost passion, in all
the vigour of first impressions. I think M. de Longchamps must
have been bent on placing his Charles in recollected situations, and
putting into his mouth words he must pronounce with pleasure ; I can-
not otherwise account for the parts of Junot and the future Queen of
Naples in this piece.

Its plot is simple. The scene is laid at the house of the Mayor of
Ruelle ; Caroline and Charles, mutually in love, and born the same
day, are engaged in marriage. An insufferable coxcomb is desirous
of crossing their hopes, but the good genius of the weeping lovers has
recourse to Malmaison. The wedding is to be celebrated, and the
Empress designs to honour it with her presence. Meanwhile Charles
and Caroline sing together, to the air of 0 ma tendre musette.

Junot was much affected : those who knew his heart could have
no difficulty in divining the nature of his emotions. Not so the lady.
She tried to appear affected, but could not succeed. Her feigned
agitation was revealed only by the increased alto of the tones that
eame fretfully from her lips, which, however pretty, were never in-
tended for the passage of harmonious sounds.

The Princess Pauline was enchanting in her costume of a peasant
bride. The timidity which she really felt, and which a first public

MADEMOISELLE MARS. 223

appearance cannot fail to excite even in persons of first-rate talent,
was most becoming, and enhanced her beauty in an extraordinary-
degree. The performance was certainly very amusing, both to see
and, hear. My education in good society was never more essential to
prevent a burst of laughter in the midst of a reply, for though the
Princesses might be the two prettiest women in the world, they were
certainly two of the worst actresses that ever trod the boards of a
theatre.

My part was in the piece of M. de Longchamps, which was by far
the prettiest. My dramatic skill was, at best, but indifferent, and
this character was quite unsuiteel to it. I had never aspired beyond
the part of waiting-maid, or one of distrust and malice, such as
Madame Dervil in the Self-Rivals. On this occasion I was to be a
very silly, puerile young girl, god-daughter of the great lady who was
expected at Ruelle ; and 1 came to request a compliment for my
godmother from the mayor, whom M. de Montbreton personated to
perfection, with an ease and truth seldom to be found in an amateur.

I was quite certain of failing in my performance — a circumstance
probably very desirable to others, but quite the reverse to myself.
1 therefore requested Mademoiselle Mars, if she had a few minutes to
spare, would have the goodness to hear me rehearse ; and by the more
than urbanity with which she complied, rehearsing with me un-
weariedly every morning during the fortnight that elapsed before the
appointed fete, I had an opportunity (of which 1 perhaps stupidly
availed myself far more effectually than of her lessons) of admiring
the muscular play of her pliant and charming features; her expressive
smile conveying some idea while it disclosed her pearly (cell), and
those beaming eyes, which, in accordance with the smile, revealed the
cominif sentiment liefore it could find utterance. Hearing her thus in
a private room, divested of all that delusive attraction which the
lights, the public plaudits, the whole witchery of the scene cast around
an actress on the stage, I mentally exclaimed, '• This is the greatest
actress in the world! She is pursuing her natural vocation. Here i;
no appearance of acting, it must therefore lie the perfection of the
art." From that, moment 1 became a declared and enthusiastic
admirer of Mile. Mar-, and considered it a, real public misfortune
that she refused to receive pupils.

In these interviews I had equal reason to appreciate the tone of

her conversation, her excellent judgmenl I hergood taste. I found

in Mademoiselle Mars everything that, could constitute a woman
formed to shine and please in the very besl society.

The performances at, Malmaison, even under the Consulate, ex-

224 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

cited apprehension; how great, then, must be our anxiety, now that
the Empire, with its luxurious wonders, rendered Paris the fantastic
abode of magnificent grandeur! This reflection crossed my mind
during our breakfast on this important day with the Empress, in the
stuccoed dining-room on the ground-floor at Malmaisdn, leading to
the Emperor's closet.

We were five-and-twenty seated at a table, over which the
Empress presided with her accustomed grace, and all the simplicity
of a hostess in ordinary society. She had desired me to bring my
two eldest daughters, Josephine and Constance. Josephine, her god
daughter, was placed beside her. Their English governess accom
panied them, and the dear creatures were assuredly, of all the impe
rial guests, the least disturbed by anticipations of the day's occur-
rences.

I was pregnant with my eldest son, Napoleon, and in addition to
the suffering this circumstance occasioned, and which afterwards be
came serious, was already attacked with a derangement of the nerves,
and had the occasion been any other than the Empress's fete, I should
certainly have excused myself from appearing amongst the dramatis
jiersonce.

The representation, terminating with a humorous madrigal of
birth-day congratulation to the Empress, passed off tolerably. The
Princess Pauline performed far better than her sister, notwithstanding
the eternal pretensions of the latter, who is perfectly persuaded that
in every word, step, and action, she excels all other women.

It was late before we left Malmaison, and our return was rather
painful to me, for the Grand Duchess of Berg took it into her head
that we should accompany her in her carriage, though I had my own
in waiting, and should have much preferred travelling at my ease in
it. We had not proceeded far before the Princess was taken ill : it
was at Puielle. 1 ordered the coachman to stop ; the carriage-door
was opened and she alighted, which I would willingly have been ex-
cused doing, for the night air, though not absolutely cold, was far from
agreeable. The Princess had had a nervous attack in the course of
the day, and had even fainted ; when the Empress Josephine, finding
a letter entangled in her gown, put it into her hand, which she held
closed with her own during her swoon — a trait which deserves pub-
licity. When the Princess recovered and perceived this delicate
attention, she said, with ill-concealed ill-humour, in reply to a question
which no one asked, for the Empress took no notice of the circum-
stance,

" It is a letter from Murat."

COURT SCANDAL. 225

" I very well knew the writer," said the Empress afterwards to
me, "for I recognised the hand."

We reached Paris at three in the morning. 1 set the Princess
down, and Junot handed her out of the carriage and conducted her to
her apartments ; her carriage conveyed me home, but alone.

This little comedy of the 19th of March, 1807, had occupied the
whole imperial court through the preceding winter, filling it with
intrigues, petty hatred, vengeance, and scandal ; for, alas ! all these
existed amongst us, and other bickerings still more despicable. But
is not this the secret history of all courts'?

In these two years, 1807 and 1808, Fortune, for the last time,
lavished her favours with profusion on France and her Emperor.
He was afterwards victorious ; his thunders still rolled over the
heads of kings; still carried mourning into foreign families; and
occasionally flung us a few stray laurels as compensation for our
losses ; but those losses were thenceforth more immense, those laurels
more stained with our blood. And in what can this change have
originated? Why did Victory, hitherto always faithful to his call,
now desert his eagles'? Because she is a woman ; because she grew
weary of continual demands upon her ; and moreover sne is capri-
cious, and chose to favour our enemies in their turn !

CHAPTER XXIII.

Visit of the Arch-chancellor — The new Duke — The siege of Dantzick — The new
Duchess — The Empress's usher reprimanded — Proclamation of the Prince
of the Peace — Death of the young Prince Louis — Queen Hortense in the
Pyrenees — Her return to Paris — Her albums ami musical compositions —
Napoleon less of a Corsican than he is thought — His economy and liberality
— Cause of the aspersions upon Junot by Las Cases — Campaign of lso7
continued — The Emperor's car grazed by a hall — Napoleon's observation to
Marshal Lannes— Resolution of the Russian sol. Hits — Battle of Friedland—
The Emperor in high spirits — Victor — Marshal Ney — Prodigious slaughter
—Capture of Konisberg — Interview of the two Emperors at Tilsit — Humilia-
tion of the King of Prussia — The Emperor Alexander fascinated — The Queen
of Prussia's intercourse with Napoleon at. Tilsit, Napoleon's error in not re-
establishing the kingdom of Poland 'lie- Queen of Prussia's beauty - Effects
mi Prussia of the treaty of Tilsit — Violation of locks and seals.

Onk evening the Arch-chancellor paid me a visit. He appeared
thoughtful, and seating himself beside my sofa, which I could no
54

226 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

longer quit, accosted me with, "I bring you strange news; the Em.
peror is not only re-establishing the ancient noblesse, but is restoring
new titles of rank ; and \vh<> do you think is the first military duke 1
Guess." "Marshal Lannes?" "Very natural, but not correct."
"Marshal Massena?" The Arch-chaneellor smiled, and shook his
head. '' Well, then, unless it is Bernadotte, who in spite of his
violent republicanism seems to wear harness as a courtier with perfect
docility, 1 can guess no further." "It is Eefebvre; 1 have just seen
his wife." " And not ill chosen. Madame la Marechale's manner
may not be in perfect harmony with her dignity of Duchess, but she
is a good wife; besides, you know the Emperor makes no account of
us, one difficulty in his choice was therefore obviated ; and Lefebvre
is one of the most estimable members of our military family. I am
sure the Emperor has well weighed his choice." The Arch-chancellor,
with all his caution, smiled at me, and we understood each other with-
out speaking. It was evident that Napoleon, willing to revive the
high nobility and re-create the twelve peers of Charlemagne, intended
to give additional lustre to his twenty-four grand dignitaries of the
Empire, which, however, should be the just reward of their services;
but it was necessary to feel his way, and to proceed warily with a
people who held the very name of King in abhorrence, and had only
accepted an Emperor in consideration of the ancient relation of that
dignity with a republic.

Napoleon, surrounded by a thousand perils, never relaxed his
precautions; and though apparently regardless of obstacles, was care-
ful not to shock the men of the Revolution ; they were to be gained,
but this was no longer a work of difficulty. The temptation was
spread before them, and nature achieved the rest. No sooner was the
bait offered than all, far from repelling it, were eager for a bite ; and
that which Napoleon presented in the Duchy of Dantzick was of the
most attractive kind. Aware of this, he would not confer it where it
might in any case be liable to abuse, and Marshal Lefebvre, esteemed
by the army and all true Frenchmen, and deserving of the highest
reward of valour, was the person best adapted to the Emperor's
purpose.

The siege of Dantzick was one of the most brilliant military suc-
cesses of a campaign rich in triumph. Somewhat of Frederick's
spirit was at length roused in General Kalkreuth : he was once more
the soldier : we had not indeed spared the spur, but the steed at
length began to feel it. During the two months' siege, the trenches
were open fifty-two days ; and when Kalkreuth capitulated, and
engaged for himself and his men not to bear arms for twelve months,

THE DUCHESS OF DANTZICK. 227

only eight thousand and some hundred men defiled before the French
general, though he had shut himself up there at the head of eighteen
thousand. Eight hundred cannon and immense magazines were cap-
tured in this fortress, the fall of which secured our left flank and rear,
and left to Prussia only the post of Pillau along the whole coast
of the Baltic.

Tlie important question which at this time agitated the imperial
court was, how thj new Duchess would carry her dignity? and she
speedily resolved it. She went to the Tuilcries to thank the Empress
Josephine for the favour the Emperor had just conferred. The Em
press was in the great yellow saloon ; and as Madame la Marechale
had not demanded an audience, the usher, accustomed to call her by
that name, entered to take the orders of the chamberlain in waiting,
returned, and addressed her — " Madame la Marechale may enter."
The lady looked askance at him ; but suppressing all audible tokens
of indignation, she entered the saloon : and the Empress, rising from
the sofa she usually occupied beside the fireplace, advanced a few
steps to meet her, saying, with that engaging graciousness she could
always assume when it pleased her, " How is the Duchess of Dant-
zick?" La Marechale, instead of answering, winked intelligently, and
then turning towards the usher who was in the act of shutting the
door, ''■Hey, my boy /" said she, '■'•what do yon think of that?1'' How
was it possible for the most determined gravity to resist such an
attack 1 Towards the end of the empire the Duchess of Dantzick
became tiresome, and almost as irrational in her speech as Madame
Fabre de I'Aude, who once answered the Emperor's query when she
would lie in of her twenty-fifth child — " Winn your Majesty pleases."
But La Marechale Lefebvre, or the Duchess of Dantzick, as you may
please to call her, was very amusing at the time her husband was
made a Duke (a year before the other generals), and for a long time
maintained her (■(•centric position under the ducal dignity.

"While we in Paris were celebrating our conquests at, five hundred
leagues' distance, with dancing and various diversions, all Europe was
marching under shelter of a camp at the Emperor's bidding; and
already new plans were succeeding to those of which a few weeks had
witnessed the accomplishment. Spain, in her treason, imagined she
had deceived him. and already did his linger point, to the Peninsula,
which he devoted to ruin. I have recently met. with the famous pro-
clamation of the Prince of the Peaci — famous ii ought to be if it. is
not, as a monument of unparalleled political stupidity. The following
passage may serve as a specimen of the style of this singular docu-
ment: "All the magistrates of Spain must display extraordinary and

22- NAPOLEON, I1IS COUBT AND FAMILY.

peculiar zeal in exciting the national enthusiasm, that we may entei

with glory the lists about to open. A great number of soldiers must
be procured, and the courage of the nobility stimulated, for their
privileges, as well as those of the crown, are at stake."

This seems to have been the sentence which particularly struck
the Emperor. He saw that Spain, hitherto the faithful ally of
France, was like a man becoming tired of an old love. But it would
have been wise to become better acquainted with the mistress whe
was to be cast off. The Emperor's word was soon to become a terror
throughout the whole extent of the Peninsula. It is evident that the.
Prince of the Peace, weak and fearful, put out the proclamation,
because he believed that France would be beaten by Prussia : but
when the Prussian armies had disappeared — when, in the course of a
triumphal march of a few weeks, the Emperor had overthrown one
empire and menaced another, then came submissions, at which the
Emperor laughed, as he had before laughed at the intended revolt.

A great misfortune befell the family of the Empress Josephine, in
the death of the eldest son of Queen Hortense, who died in Holland,
of the croup. The letters of Madame de Brock described the grief
of the Queen to be so violent as to threaten irreparable injury to her
health. Whatever might be the projects of the Empress, her heart
was deeply smitten by this event. She seemed to apprehend the
menace of divorce in every tear that was shed over the tomb of the
young prince. " Oh ! how severe a misfortune !" she continually
repeated with sobs of distress. It is impossible to speak too highly
of the young prince Louis, who, had he lived to fulfil the promise of
his childhood, must have become a distinguished character. He bore
a striking resemblance to his father, and consequently to the Em-
peror; from which likeness the malice which pursued the Emperor
even into his holiest affections, has invented a calumny so infamous
that I should degrade myself by refuting it.

The Queen of Holland left her marshes and aquatic plains to
come and seek, not consolation, (for what mother consoles herself for
the loss of her child 1) but an alleviation of the despair which was
undermining her health. She went to the Pyrenees, to Cauterets,
and from thence made the famous tour of the Vignemale. From her
gracious manners and benevolence, she was actually adored by the
inhabitants of this district.

The Queen Hortense came to Paris after the season for visiting
the watering-places in this same year, 1807, and brought back to us
the charming parties where the most distinguished artists of France
came to bring their triVutes to a Princess whose proficiency in the

THE QUEEN HORTENSE. 229

arts enabled her so perfectly to appreciate them. How deligntfully
did the hours pass in such gifted society ! There at a round table sat
Gerard with his immortal pencil ; Isabey, whose productions may be
imitated, but never equalled ; Garncry, who, after working long upon
a pretty design for an album, ended by sketching the room we were
in, with such fidelity that its most trifling articles of furniture might
be recognised, and yet with such excellent effect that no minuteness
of detail was observable. But the talents of the mistress of the
mansion were worthy to compete with those of her distinguished
guests, and were in no line more remarkable than in the extraordi-
nary resemblance and beautiful effect of her portrait sketches. Thus
the Queen possesses an unique collection of drawings, if in her ad-
venturous peregrinations she has not lost them. I have seen in her
albums, faces which no doubt would have been surprised to find
themselves in company together. It was at this time that she com-
posed Parian t pour la Syrie! — Reposez-vous, bon chevaliers — Le beau
Dunois — Le bon Chevalier — En soupirant fai vu naitre I 'Aurore.t
and many other romances which we still know and sing, and which I
always sing with renewed pleasure. Queen Hortense is no longer
here to demand flattery ; and truly her productions may be praised
with a very clear conscience.

Amongst other talents, she possessed, in a remarkable degree,
that of attracting and fixing friendship. I have always thought that
had she reigned, her reign would have been fortunate, because many
of the good actions which, in other Princes, result only from good
policy, would have originated in the principle of love of her duties
and of the public weal. She would have perfectly understood that
her peace of mind depended upon the well-being of her people. She
would often have pardoned when she had the power of punishing,
looking upon vengeance as the attribute of a base mind.

This reminds me of an anecdote related to me not a week ago by
a person high in the Emperor's confidence. This person was at the
head of a certain department in the state, and brought to the Em-
peror, when he was about to set out for the army, just before (lie
battle of Wagram, a list of seventeen names, borne by men whose
fortune and situation in the state were calculated to alarm Napoleon,
at a period when he could not be perfectly at case concerning the
interior peace of the country, though all was apparently calm. These
men wen; conspiring, but in so unskilful a manner that all their
manoeuvres were known as soon as contrived. "What does your
Majesty command, with respect to this affair?" said the minister
"Nr-hing."

230 - NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

The other looked at him with astonishment, and again offered hi.
list; but the Emperor smiled and repeated, "Nothing at all, mv
dear Count, I punish my enemies only when their machinations inter-
fere with my projects for the good of my people: it is for that, not
because they oppose me, that I punish them. I am less of a Corsieau
than 1 am thought."

These words appear to me sublime. The person who heard
them, and who repeated them to me, spoke also much upon the de
gree of consideration in which Napoleon held the persons who sur
rounded him. lie made a great difference between his friends and
the men of talent whom he recompensed. He was ] >ss affectionate,
less familiar with these latter, but he was often prod gal in his gifts
to them. Favouritism was not in favour during his reign, and very
seldom superseded positive merit. He did acts of kindness by those
he loved ; as by Junot, for example, or Duroc, or Lannes, and many
others ; and when by their services to the state of which they were
the pillars, whether by their pens or by their swords, they had
merited rewards, he bestowed them munificently.

The Emperor was a great economist : every month M. Esteve
submitted to him an account of his privy purse, and of the general
expenses of his household. It generally showed a saving, and this
was alwrays divided amongst his generals. Many of them were
young and fond of pleasure, perhaps of luxury. And why not 1 A
life of splendour became naturally one of indulgence ; it appeared to
them doubly delightful after entire years passed in tents, amidst the
barren sands of the tropics, the bogs of Poland, the snows of Siberia,
or the rocks of Spain. In looking upon those fine velvet curtains
fringed with gold, which canopied a head of scars, and arms lacerated
in deep cicatrices, and a bosom seamed by the enemy's sword, it was
delightful to the brave soldier who enjoyed this pleasurable mode of
existence, to be able to say, " I owe it all to my own courage, to my
exertions for my country." And this many of Napoleon's captains
might say with justifiable pride. Junot, Lannes, Rapp, Marmori,
Bessieres, Duroc, and a long list of names too numerous to cite.

I have learnt only very recently, that in this monthly division o.*
surplus revenue, General Oudinot, who belonged to the army of the
Rhine, and who had not the same claims upon the Emperor as his
old friends, received, nevertheless, a monthly gratification of eight or
ten thousand francs, and that this munificence was long continued.
Gratitude was soon obliterated in the bosom of the Marshal : I have
positive reasons for saying so.

No doubt the Emperor made reflections upon Marshal Oudinot

LAS CAS AS. 231

quite as bitter as those M. Las Cases has transmits A to us relative
to Junot. Why then have they not been communicated to us '? It
would be odd if I could solve this problem. I was a few months ago
working tapestry in my closet with the Countess d'Hautpoul. a name
of some note in our literature ; a lady advanced in years, but full of
life and satire, and whose stories were most entertaining to listen to.
A long pause had taken place in our conversation ; it had been a very
laughable one, and I was turning over in my mind a multitude of
ridiculous anecdotes, every one more amusing than its predecessor,
which she had been relating. My needle passed and repassed, while
Madame d'Hautpoul sat upon a well-cushioned sofa, looking at me,
and swinging to and fro a neatly-dressed foot, about the size of that
}f a child six years old. Suddenly, winking at mc she exclaimed,
:' Will you not answer him V — " Who 1" — " Why, Las Cases, to be
sure." We had not pronounced his name the whole evening ; but we
had spoken of him often enough for me perfectly to understand her.
"Yes, undoubtedly, I shall answer him," said I; ''but do you under-
stand this violent antipathy to my husband ] Do you comprehend
why he has sacrificed every truth relating to us, my husband and
myself, rather than consecrate to us an entire chapter bearing our
name ? What sort of man is he ? Do you know him ?" — " Yes,
certainly ; but how is it that you do not?" — " Consider, my dear, there
were a hundred chamberlains ; surely it was the most natural thing
in the world that one of these planets of so inferior an order, a prison
who, by his own confession, notwithstanding his excessive vanity, was
unknown to any one at the palace, should be personally unknown to
me ; but this only makes me wonder the more at his animosity
against Junot." — "But, my dear child, he was a long time your
neighbour in the country." — "He! Monsieur de Las Cases! and
where?" — "At Bievre. Was not Madame de Montesson your
neighbour at the great chateau of Bievre?" "Yes, but she is not M.
de Las Cases." — "Patience, we shall come to him by and by."

And accordingly my friend opened her budget of anecdotes once
more; and in so doing, let me into all the mystery of the animosity
of Las Cases towards Junot, to whom it would appear he had been
the rival in the good graces of a certain English lady,'7' who had hirer!
the chateau of Bievre, after Madame de Montesson. "So then,"
Baid I, "here is the explanation of our revelations from St. Helena;"

* Ladj 0. tun! M. Las Case* were very intimate while the latter was in Eng«
and: they returned together to France. It was at this period that L-is Cases
entertained a violent jealousy towards Junot, which feeling Beems to have ai>
eonapanied him even to St Selena.

232 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

aiul we relapsed into our respective contemplations, for which the last
few words had furnished me with ample matter.

We were now in the month of May, 1807, and the campaign pro-
Deeded brilliantly. The Emperor, supported by Marshals Lannes
and Nov, had attacked Guttstadt, and entered the town after a terrible
resistance. In this affair a ball, which just missed Napoleon's ear,
passed so close that he felt its concussion : I trembled when Duroo
related the circumstance, and he assured me that it was not an un-
common thing, for the Emperor was frequently exposed to great
personal danger, and he gave me instances of his courage in battle,
which would have inspired me with admiration if I had not already
felt it. Junot had always spoken of his conduct in the army of Italy
in the same terms ; but I considered the Emperor under a different
character from that of the commander-in-chief of the army of Italy.
I was mistaken ; he was still the same individual ; he knew mankind,
and how to lead them; and he knew that the influence of valour was
the first essential in mastering the affections of the French people.

Battle succeeded to battle in Poland. That of Deppen followed
the combat of Guttstadt, and was succeeded by that of Heilsberg, in
which we lost a frightful number of troops, officers and generals in
particular, a fact which usually indicates that the soldiers do not en-
gage willingly. This murderous day gave us only the barren honour
of conquering foot by foot the spot upon wrhich we fought. Marshal
Lannes, being near the Emperor in one of the most anxious moments
of this day, remarked to Napoleon how great a change had taken
place in the formation of the Russian order of battle, and how much
use they made of their artillery ; for in this engagement their bat-
teries did great execution, and they maintained their position within
kheir intrenchments. The Emperor replied in these remarkable
words : " Yes, we are giving them lessons which will soon make them
our masters."

The famous battle of Friedland followed in a few days. And
here I must observe the immense difference between the two nations
we had to fight. In twenty days Prussia was conquered. Russia
was an adversary worthy our arms ; and our almost uncertain
victories had at least this advantage, that, they had been honourably
disputed. Friedland is but eight leagues from Prussian-Eylau,
where the great battle was fought on the 8th of February, that of
Friedland took place on the 14th of June ; during all which time,
signalised by innumerable combats, we had advanced only that short
distance. The Russians even contested with us some victories to
which we laid positive claim. They defended themselves, not indeed

BATTLE OF FR. EDLAND. 233

irr the most scientific way, but like men determined to permit the
invasion of their country only when the last soldier had fallen before
the frontier. This is honour, this is true patriotism ; and when
after an equally fine defence we behold the conflagration of Moscow,
it must be confessed that the Russian nation promises greatness.

This battle of Friedland was the more gratifying to Napoleon, as
at Eylau a great part of the glory remained to the enemy. He could
not even say, " I have conquered !" for it is useless to conceal a well
known fact. But at Friedland, victory returned to her favourite, and
was all his own. He stood upon an elevation from whence he could
see all the movements of both armies, and the success of his plans so
exhilarated his spirits, that his joy displayed itself in a gaiety of
manner, which he seemed unable to restrain, notwithstanding his dis-
position to preserve an attitude of royal dignity ; and I have been
assured by some friends who were with him throughout the day, that
he did and said a thousand ridiculous things ; this cheerfulness of
heart was the more striking to his officers, as the natural bent of hi?
character was by no means gay. He was hungry, and asked foi
bread and Chambertin wine ; " But I choose," said he, " to have the
con. on bread of the country." And as he was standing in front of
a mill he insisted that it should be brought to him at once. The peo-
ple of the house hesitated, because the common bread of the Russian
peasantry is made of bad rye-flour, full of long straws, and in all
respects detestable. He however petulantly insisted upon having it,
saying, " It is what the soldiers eat." Then with his pearly teeth he
bit a piece of black bread that we should have rejected. But when
the soldiers learnt that their chief had eaten of their bread, and found
it good, who among them would have dared to complain?

It was at Friedland, that Victor, whom the soldiers called Beau
Solid (fine sun), first came into notice as commander-in-chief of it
division of the army. Bernadotte, wounded in the engagement of
Spaiidcn, the preceding week, had left his division under (he command
of Victor. But the general, who principally contributed to the suc-
of this day. was Marshal Ney. "You can form no idea," Berthier
wrote i" the Arch-chancellor, "of the. brilliant courage of Marshal
Ney ; it appears fabulous in relation, and resembles only the time of
chivalry. It is to him chiefly that vre owe the success of this memo-
rable day."

All the letters which Junot received spoke <>f this as one of the
most terrible battles our troops had ever been engaged in. All tho
morning was passed in Bpeaking of death; but towards four o'clock
in the afternoon the combat became bo murderous, so desperatel)

234 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

bloody, thai the most determined were struck with horror. A battel y
uf thirty piea - of cannon, commanded by Gen. Senarmont and erected
in front of our columns, played upon the enemy, and ground their
men like so many grains of corn under a mill-stone. The enemy,
who had formed in close columns, seeing his masses broken by cur
'ire, fled to the right bank of the Aller, and was pursued till long
sunset, This time the victory, the actual success, could not be
doubtful ; the Russian and Prussian bulletins acknowledged their
immense loss. Nevertheless, in confessing their defeat, the Russians
exhibited infinitely more dignity than at Austerlitz. The result of
this battle was the almost total destruction of the Russian army,
while in ours, a division of the imperial guard was not even brought
into action. It is one of the finest military achievements of Napo-
leon ; he was brilliantly seconded, it is true, by Marshal Ney. But
though the arm which executes is much in all operations, the skill
lies in the head which forms the plan.

The ultimate consequence of the victory of Friedland was the
peace of Tilsit, signed in the following month. Its first result was
the capture of Konisberg by Marshal Soult two days after the battle.
This second capital of Prussia contained immense magazines of all
kinds ; and in its ports wei*e English, Russian, and Prussian vessels
laden with arms, provisions, and colonial produce.

The pursuit continued without intermission. Murat overtook the
Russians at Tilsit, where they burnt the bridge as soon as their troops
had crossed the Niemen, and urgently begged for peace. Then it was
that the famous interview between the two Emperors took place.
The King of Prussia was of so little account in these conferences, that
nothing more was said of him than if he had been at Berlin. I have
heard a number of inferior officers in our army express themselves
with respect to his situation at Tilsit in terms that were painful to
hear. To see a King, for in fact he was a King, following his con-
queror with an eye of apprehension, fearing to speak, walking always
behind the two other sovereigns, and thus, by his own conduct,
placing himself in a subordinate rank, must always be distressing.

It was at the second meeting that the King of Prussia was intro-
duced, and Napoleon the same day said to Duroc, whom he affec-
tionately loved, " If I had seen William III. before the campaign of
.Teiia. I should have had less uneasiness for its results. I know that
he is your protege, Duroc, but your friendship cannot give him the
dignity of a King."

That is certainly a brilliant page in the history of Napoleon, which
relates this interview in a chamber supported by a raft, on a river at

QUEEN OF PRUSSIA AND NAPOLEON. 285

'Jie extremity of Poland, almost in the dominions of Peter the Great,
between the grandson of that extraordinary man, and him, the son of
his own actions, him, who had belonged bnt two years to the college
of Kings, but before whose little hat all its members trembled.
There he was, with all his glory, surrounded by his victories as by a
triumphal court, with France always by his side, that France whom
lie had made great, powerful, and respected. The Emperor had de-
termined to corquer in every fashion in this Polish campaign. It
entered into his political plans to conquer the Emperor Alexander
and he accomplished his purpose with irresistible grace. He pos-
sessed, when he chose to display it, a fascinating charm from which
there was no escape ; and he exercised this ascendancy nobly ; not by
caresses and advances unworthy of the majesty of his crown, but by
a glance, a smile ; all the fire of heaven was in the one, all its mild-
ness in the other. " On our meeting at Tilsit," said the Emperor
Alexander to me when I had the honour of receiving his Majesty at
my house in 1814, "I stepped upon the raft, quite determined to sus-
tain my dignity in my deportment towards the man whose treatment
of the King of Prussia was, in my opinion, violently unjust. I in-
tended to do much for my unfortunate friend, and much also for my
own people ; but scarcely had I seen Napoleon, scarcely had he
spoken, before I was overcome."

The Queen of Prussia is an instance of the power of circumstances
in forming the female character. It is impossible for a woman to
exhibit more moral courage than did this unfortunate Queen during
the few days of her residence at Tilsit. She must have suffered every
kind of torture at that period. She was firm and resolute in her will,
and possessed all the virtues that adorn the sovereign dignity. She
did not like the Emperor Napoleon, who certainly gave her legiti-
mate cause of aversion, especially at Tilsit. Who cannot understand
the resentment of a beautiful and still young woman, who endeavours
to please and finds her overtures repulsed? The Emperor proved on
this occasion how much he was master of himself in his intercourse
with women, and how light he made of their attacks. Tl)6 Empress

Josephine has related very remarkable traits of direct advances on
the one part, and of firm reserve on the other. He one day took
from a porcelain vase a rose of exquisite beauty, which he presented
to the Queen of Prussia. "This gifl would he of inestimable value,"
said she to him. "if vou would join to it what justice demands, that
you should restore to an orphan, from whom vou are Wresting hi*
inheritance." But what must, have been seen to he appreciated, as
a spectator afterwards informed me, was the expression of (lie stolen

236 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

glance and the supplicating smile. Napoleon smiled also, but not
with his usual soft and gracious smile; and answered the Queen with
an air of cold politeness, "Your Majesty knows my intentions. 1
have communicated them to the Emperor Alexander, because, as
mediator between us, he has been pleased to undertake to impart
them to the King, and they are unalterable. I cannot conceal from
you, Madame, that what I have done has been done for the sake of
the Emperor of Russia." The Queen turned pale; Napoleon's lan-
guage was certainly too harsh : in refusing the gentle yoke she offered
him, he might have spared those spasms of the heart which often
produce more pain than a deeper wound. Her fate was lamentable :
half the dominions of the King of Prussia were taken from him ; the
penalty of retaliation was inflicted on the descendants of Frederick ;
all the Polish territory so basely seized from that brave republic,
they were required to resign. Warsaw was delivered over to Saxony ;
Dantzick declared a free town. The Emperor Alexander, who could
refuse nothing to his well-beloved brother, this was the formula under
which the letters of the two Emperors to each other were at this time
addressed, offered his mediation between France and England ; recog
nised the confederation of the Rhine and the kingdom of Italy ; and
what is still more astonishing, acknowledged the three brothers of
Napoleon as Kings of Naples, Holland, and Westphalia ; the Czar
even foresaw the wishes of his new ally.

My profound veneration for Napoleon, the religious worship I
have vowed to his memory, do not prevent my judging impartially
the faults which he committed, and which much more than the con-
tinental coalition were the true causes of his downfall. I have there-
fore no prejudice to blind me to his great mistake in failing to
re-establish the throne of Poland ; which he might the more easily
have effected as he had in his own army the man, whom he could
with the greatest confidence have named King of Poland. This was
the Prince Joseph Poniatowsky, nephew of the last King, handsome,
brave, enterprising, and determined, as he himself once assured me,
to undertake every thing for the liberation of unhappy Poland. I
know, however, that Napoleon had for some time a fancy for giving
another king to Poland in the person of his brother-in-law, Murat,
who passionately desired this crown ; he imagined that because he
could wield his sabre elegantly, and had worn feathers during the
campaign to the value of thirty millions of francs, he ought to be
King of Poland.

The Queen of Prussia's beauty was celebrated ; Duroc considered
her the prettiest woman he had ever seen. The Emperor was not of

HUMILIATION OF PRUSSIA. 287

(he same opinion, and when I heard him speak of the beautiful Queen,
it was by no means in terms of admiration. He acknowledged that
she was handsome, only she did not suit his taste : the expression of
her countenance, he said, was too lofty and severe. He would not
take her situation into consideration, nor admit that the Queen of
Prussia, despoiled of her dominions, and appearing before him hi the
character of a petitioner, ought at least to assume a respectful atti-
tude. I have known Prussians belonging to her establishment, who
adored her; I have every where met with universal suffrages in her
favour from those who had opportunities of knowing her real character;
those bulletins which were directed against a beautiful and virtuous
woman have always given me pain. I have professed not to attempt
excusing the Emperor's faults, and this is certainly one of them.

The unfortunate King of Prussia lost by the treaty of Tilsit four
millions and a half of the ten millions of subjects he possessed before
the battle of Jena. He was compelled to open military roads into
the heart of his remaining possessions, all of which, Napoleon contin-
ually repeated, were restored to him only at the intercession of the
Emperor of Russia. These dominions formed a long parallelogram
extending a hundred and eighty leagues upon the coast of the BaltiCj
while its utmost breadth did not exceed forty leagues. The prohibi-
tion of English commodities was stipulated with the utmost vigour;
a sentence of death to Prussia, whose heaths and sands bathed by the
waves of the Baltic lost thereby all hopes of fertilization through the
medium of maritime commerce. Prussia signed the treaty of Tilsit:
she did more : she shared the Emperor's resentment against England,
and the continental system acquired in her, at least apparently, a
courageous and devoted supporter. I believe that modern history
offers no similar example of humiliation; but the conduct of the
Prussians towards us in 1792 was so unworthy, that I acknowledge I
can feel no pity for griefs provoked by vanity and equitably imposed.
Driven like timid deer from the defiles of Thuringia to the borders of
the Vistula, the Prussians lost their reputation as a warlike, even as
a brave people; the glory of the great Frederick and of his brother,
Prince Henry, appears as a meteor in their history.

All the military operations upon which I have touched in (his
volume, are reported from letters addressed to Junot, and now in
my possession. Happily they escaped the grasp of the Duke of
Rovigo, when by the order of the Emperor (an order which thc»
Emperor subsequently disowned), he came to my house in mj
absence to take away his Majesty's private letters; and when, in
fulfilment of that order, he broke the seals which, in the absence of

288 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the mother, the legal and natural guardian, had been affixed upon
private chambers, ami forced open the secret lock of an iron cheat,
the depository of articles of value. The Emperor had, it is true,
ordered the restoration of his letters, but they were safe in this
chest, under the security of seals affixed as usual to all cabinets,
drawers, and other depositories of papers and valuables, in a suo
cession of property not yet established

CHAPTER XXIY.

The Emperor's return to Paris — Conduct of the Emp*. ror's sisters — Painful
interview between the Emperor and Junot — The red livery — Murat and
Junot — Duel forbidden by the Emperor — Reconciliation between Junot
and Napoleon — Cardinal Maury — Corneille and Racine — The Emperor's
judgment — Fete at the Hotel de Ville — Junot appointed commander of
the Gironde — Parting interview with the Emperor — Junot's unhappiness
— Kingdom of Westphalia erected — Suppression of the tribunate — Career
of conquest — Bombardment of Copenhagen — Proclamation.

The Emperor, on his return to Paris, was received with as much joy
as when he came from Marengo. He felt how much he was beloved
by France ; and was conscious of deserving it. Acclamations and
harangues were not spared; and addresses poured in from all quarters
of the kingdom. Adulation did not prompt these addresses. They
were the expression of the enthusiasm of France, an enthusiasm
amounting to delirium, and which Napoleon rejoiced to accept. The
Emperor returned to Paris about the end of July, 180T, and this
event produced results very important to my family. I had long
foreseen them, but unhappily had no power of prevention. I loved
Junot, but I had not reproached him on account of his connection
with the. Grand Duchess of Berg, because I never considered it
criminal. I saw, however, the course he was running, and the end
to which it would inevitably lead. The Emperor had a peculiar
mode of thinking relative to his sisters, which led him to exact from
them the strictest propriety in their conduct ; and he believed it to be
true, that none of the Princesses had ever given occasion for the
slightest reflection upon their reputations. Up to this period it had
been a matter of indifference to Fouche, and to another, whom I will
not name because he is living, whether the Emperor's sisters caused
the world to talk of them or not; whether M. le Comte de Fl . . . .

THE EMPEROR'S SISTERS. 239

M. deC... &c., compromised those ladies, or were compromised
by them. The Princesses were gracious to Savary, Fouche, and
others, and the Emperor was the only person who remained in
ignorance of what all the world knew. He thought that the Princess
Pauline was an inconsistent beauty ; wearing a pretty ball-dress in
disobedience to Corvisart, and only guilty of not keeping the house
when ordered by her physician. Hitherto these ladies had never
been betrayed bythe superintending authorities. But when it became
known that a man they did not like might be ruined by ji direct accu-
sation, this complaisance ceased. Alas ! I had long foreseen it.

When the Emperor arrived at Paris, the storm had already
gathered. The clouds had been collecting in Poland ; the Emperor
had received written intimations that Junot was compromising the
Grand Duchess of Berg : that his livery was seen at unsuitable hours
in the court of the Elysee, and that numerous corroborating circum-
stances might be adduced. It was one of Junot's comrades, still
living, who preferred this accusation. Napoleon's heart was wounded
by this news, and when Junot presented himself before him on his
return, he met with a stern reception, and constrained language.
Junot's fiery spirit could not endure the Emperor's coldness; and he
asked an audience. It was immediately granted, and was stormy.
The Emperor accused him without reserve, and Junot, sorely wounded,
would not answer upon any point, asserting that the Emperor ought
to depend upon his care for the honour of his name. " Sire !" he
exclaimed, "when at Marseilles I loved the Princess Pauline, and
you were upon the point of giving her to me — I loved her to distrac-
tion— yet what was my conduct'? Was it not that of a man of
honour'? 1 am not changed since that period; I am still equally
devoted to you and yours. Sire, your mistrust is injurious to me."
The Emperor listened, watching him meanwhile with marked atten-
tion; then walked the room in silence, with his arms crossed, and a
menacing brow. "I am willing to believe all that you say," at length
he replied; "but you are not, the less guilty of imprudence, and
imprudence in your situation towards my sister, amounts to a fault,
if not to worse. Why Cor example docs the Grand Duchess occupy
your boxes at the theatres? Why does she go thither in your
carriage? Hey! M. Junot! you are surprised that I should be bo
well acquainted with your affairs and those of that little fool Madame
Murat."

Junot was confounded al finding that the Emperor had been
informed of this circumstance, which nevertheless was sufficiently
importan;, considering the relative situation of the iw» personages,

240 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

to fix the attention not only of the police but of the public; nothing
but the iufatuatiou, which so often blinds those who are entering
upon the career of ruin, could have caused his astonishment at the
natural consequences which had followed his conduct. "Yes," con-
tinued the Emperor, " I know all that and many other facts which I
am willing to look upon as imprudences only, but in whien also I see
serious faults on your part. Once more, why this carnage with youi
livery 1 Your livery should not be seen at two o'clock m the morning
in the court-yard of the Grand Duchess of Berg? You, Junot ! You
compromise my sister !" And Napoleon fell into a chair.

Before proceeding further, I wish to explain tne motives which
have induced me to raise the veil which with my own hand I have
thrown over the private life of Junot. Ail the other connections
which he formed acted only upon my own happiness, and in no way
upon his destiny. Here the case was totally different. I do not hesi
tate to ascribe all my husband's misfortunes, and even his death, to
his unhappy entanglement with the Queen of Naples. I do not charge
this connection with real criminality ; I even believe that there was
only the appearance of it ; but the suspicious appearances which
really did exist, led to the most fatal consequences : they kindled the
lion's wrath. Subsequently circumstances produced an eruption of
the long smothered volcano, and the tempest burst forth. It is on
this account, of its political and direct influence upon my husband's
life and fortunes, that I have determined to write what follows, this
sort of preface being essential to the understanding of the events
which took place in Russia in 1812, and to the tragedy which closed
them in 1813. A family bereft of its head, children made orphans,
an illustrious name assailed, are sufficient grounds for conferring on
my history all the solemnity it merits, and preserving it from the
insignificance of an amorous intrigue. I shall entertain my readers
neither with jealous passions, nor with romantic sorrows : it is facts
alone that I shall record.

At present my readers must return with me to the Tuileries, to
the closet of Napoleon, and there see him, not alone, but in company
with those who poisoned his life by their daily, nay, hourly reports.
It was not Lannes, it was not Bessieres, it was not Massena, it was
not even Soult, for I must do him justice, though, for what reason I
know not, he does not like me; neither was it Duroc, notwithstanding
all that has been said again and again upon the subject of his police
of the interior of the palace ; neither was it Junot, notwithstanding
the quantity of reports which he received daily as active governor of
Paris, a personage who no longer exists except in memory ; it was

THE EMPEROR'S SISTERS. 241

none of these men : they had certain notions of h< lour, which would
have made them feel an antipathy to the said .lonour itself, if it
assumed such a character of turpitude. Neither was it Rapp, with
his rough exterior but noble soul, who would thus have betrayed the
secret of a comrade's heart to soil twenty pages of a scandalous
report, which was destined to serve no useful end or political interest,
but simply for a moment to engage the curiosity of the Emperor,
whose singular turn of mind on these subjects led him to take a real
pleasure in knowing how many grains of salt, I, and all other persons,
might strew upon a buttered muffin.

The men who played this odious part are well known, and universal
contempt has amply recompensed their infamous conduct. Two, in
particular, bore upon their forehead the index of public opinion. The
one is dead, and as a Christian I have forgiven him all the evil he did
to Junot; but as a widow and mother I have not forgiven him the
irreparable wrong which the father of my children suffered from him.
The other, as guilty, is not yet gone to give an account of his conduct
as a man and a citizen before the tribunal of his Maker. He not only
lives, but he still injures; he menaces, he acts, he is influential in evil.
Such were the men who filled the poisoned cup which the Emperoi
compelled his oldest friend to drink ! The Emperor's ignoranc-fe
respecting the real conduct of his sisters is inconceivable, for his eagle
eye penetrated many other mysteries. Fouche, Junot, Duroc, and
Dubois, the four persons in whose hands all the interesting police of
Paris and France was vested, were silent upon what they knew on
this subject because it would have distressed the Emperor ; none of
them were willing to do this. It came to his knowledge at last, but
clandestinely and through a channel so unusual that he placed but
little confidence in the rumour, which he attributed to the imprudence
of yo<mg women, and said to Madame Mere, " Le Diable ! Signora
Letizia, whj do you not reprimand your daughters, and warn them
against committing themselves with a tribe of young fops. Let them
dance with the officers of my guard: they are bravo men at least, if
Lhey are not handsome."

1 shall not undertake to answer all the calumnies which have been
attempted to be fixed upon the family connections of the Emperor.
It is sufficient to have lived in intimacy with Napoleon to know his
mode of thinking upon matters of morality : my blood boils when I
hear him accused of corruption, A scene at Malmaison, recorded in
a former part of these memoirs, will perhaps be brought in evidence
against me. I answer by referring to the scene itself. Napoleon
employed no manoeuvres to induce me to accede. Had I yielded to
55

242 NAPOLEON, IJIS COUKT AND FAMILY.

Ins will, he would have despised me ; for the wife of his friend, failing
in duty to her husband for the allurements of the sovereign, would
have appeared infamous in his eyes.

Napoleon was not informed of the indiscretions of one of Ida
sisters till the time of the Portuguese war. And the man who was
accused of causing them was almost exiled to Junot's staff. 1 know
that those who choose to turn everything into ridicule will assert that
it it is impossible. It is a fact, however, and suspicion once infused
into such a mind as his, everything became speedily known to him.
Still he would have remained ignorant of the adventures of Messieurs
de Septeuil and de Canouville, if the histories of the horse and pelisse,
and of the explanation, had not come to enlighten him; but all these
circumstances belong to the year 1810.

Junot's affair then was the first which reached the Emperor's eai,
and, as 1 have shown, it violently irritated him. " Suppose," said he,
walking up and down the room, " Murat should become acquainted
with all these fine histories of the chase at Raincy, the theatres, and
your carriage and livery." It seems that the carriage and livery
oft'ended him most highly. Junot attempted to excuse himself by
observing upon the brilliancy of that of the Grand Duchess; the
Emperor stamped with violence, and looked at him for some time
without speaking: at length he said, in a voice of severity and an
interrogative tone, " And what colour are your liveries, then?" Junot
cast down his eyes, and said nothing. The fact is, that the colour of
our livery was precisely the same as that of the Grand Duchess ; the
difference was in the trimming and lace, the Grand Duchess's being
turned up with white and gold lace, ours writh yellow and silver : the
coat of amaranth cloth was of precisely the same shade in both. This
similarity was in truth the will of the Grand Duchess ; I always
thought that it was to serve some political purpose, and now 1 found
my suspicions proved.

" Yes !" said the Emperor, still pacing the room, " if Murat had
learnt all that I have been repeating, what would he say 1 What
would he do1? You would have had a terrible storm to encounter."
Junot's countenance instantly changed; at length, recovering all his
energy, he made two steps towards Napoleon, and said firmly, " If
Murat should believe himself offended, it is not so long since we were
on equal terms, both on the field of battle and elsewhere, but that I
should be ready to give him all the satisfaction he could wish for.
Though the Cossacks may be afraid of him, I am not quite so easily
frightened, and this time I should fight with pistols." "Ah ! truly."
cried the Emperor with <?imirable naivete, "that is precisely what 1

MURAT AND JUNOT. 243

feared ;" and then he added in a gentle tone, " but I have settled all
that; I have spoken to him, and all is right." "Sire, I thank you;
but I must observe to your Majesty that I cannot consent to an
accommodation being contrived between the Grand Duke of Berg and
me ; if he believes himself offended, which I deny that he has any
right to be, he ea L easily find me ; my hotel is very near the Elysee."
" Yes, yes," said the Emperor, " much too near; and a propos of
that, what is the meaning of the frequent visits my sister has been
making to your wife ?" '' Sire, my wife is much indisposed with her
pregnancy, and cannot go out without great care. Her Imperial
Highness the Grand Duchess has done her the favour to come and
see her two or three times this spring, which is the amount of the
numerous visits that have been reported to your Majesty." " That is
not true," replied the Emperor, taking a great letter from a drawer
near him, and looking it entirely through, while his brow became
more and more contracted. Junot cast a momentary glance upon
the letter, and recognised the writing. " I beg your Majesty's par-
don, but if you condemn your sister and your oldest friend and most
faithful servant upon the accusations of the writer of that letter, I
cannot believe you impartial."

Napoleon seemed surprised, but made no objection to this obser-
vation ; an almost imperceptible smile seemed to agitate his lip, and
Junot proceeded : " Besides, Sire, this is not a letter, for he was with
your Majesty ; it is therefore a report, a report of his police, copied by
him ! Oh ! it must be a beautiful production ! He ought at least to
have respected your Majesty's sister ; but there are very efficacious
means of teaching people circumspection and politeness; and I shall
employ them with him." "Junot!" exclaimed the Emperor, " I for-
bid you to fight S ." Junot smiled contemptuously. " You

have suspected me; you have accused me of treachery, Sire ; I can-
not ask satisfaction of you for this; I must then go and demand it of
him who has caused me all this pain, and, by heaven, I will! If,
afterwards, Murat has any commands for me, lam at his service;
Unless, indeed, this paltry fellow should send a ball through mv head,
which is possible, for I have known very indifferent soldiers kill a
brave man. But if I come out of this affair safe ami sound, I shall be
ready to attend the Grand Duke of Berg." Napoleon rose impetu-
ously, and coming to Junot, who was leaning against the mantelpiece,
took him hastily by the hand, and turning him sharply towards him-
self, said to him, in a loud and agitated tone. " < mce more I command

you to keep the peace! Neithe • S nor Murat ; I will not permit

you to fight either with the one r the other." Then drawing liearet

244 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

u> Junot, and again taking his hand, he pressed it affectionately, say
ing, " Come, promise your old friend !"

With Napoleon such moments were fugitive, but the) were
triumphant : he never failed to come off conqueror on such an occa
sion. There was an irresistible charm in his look and in his voice,
which was sure to overcome the most peremptory resolution. Junot
felt his anger giving way under their powerful influence — he clasped
ili.' Emperor's hand and pressed it to his heart, which beat violently
and the Emperor, on feeling its agitated pulsation, also experienced a
moment of indefinable but visible emotion; nevertheless he overcame
it, gently withdrew his hand, passed it through Junot's thick light hair,
and tapping his head, said, wTith his melodious voice, wThich vibrated
like an iEolian chord : " Promise me to be reasonable, wrong-head ;
and come to me again, I have more to say to you." This conversa-
tion had lasted an hour and a half. The waiting-room was full of
persons, all upon the watch to learn the result of this long conference.
One man, in particular, wished it shorter. He knew the Emperor,
and he knew very long audiences were never accorded to men about
to fall under his displeasure ; and Junot's oountenanee, when at last
he came out, confirmed his opinion. Junot passed within two paces
of him, but affected not to see him : "For I could not have avoided
telling him my opinion of his conduct," said Junot to me, when we
were in Spain eighteen months afterwards, and more united than ever,
conversing confidentially upon this period of his life, of which he
revealed to me the most minute circumstances. "I perhaps ought to
have done so," added he, " for that man is one of those serpents who
bite the more fatally when the victim is quiet."

Two days after this conversation one morning I was alone in my
study, a very retired apartment, at the extremity of the house, into
which I admitted no one but my most intimate acquaintances, when
his Eminence Cardinal Maury was announced. I knew this celebrated
man thoroughly, as during seven years he came to my house every
day, without exception, at seven o'clock punctually, and left at ten ;
but, strange to say, I never could reckon him among my friends. He
possessed, however, or at least I presume he possessed, all the qualj.
ties requisite in a friend, and I believe he was willing to be mine.
But confidence is not to be commanded, and his unconciliating man-
ners were, I believe, the primary cause of this repulsion.

Cardinal Maury, better known, perhaps, as the Abbe Maury, re-
turned to France in 1806. The frontiers had been reopened to him
:n consequence of a letter written by him to the Emperor, which was
in all respects unsuitable to bo*;h parties; as being addressed onlv to

NAPOLEON AND CARDINAL MAURY. 245

power, its eloquence was tarnished by a strain of base servility.
On arriving at Paris, the Abbe Maury perceived all that the Cardinal
had lost in the respect of the noble Faubourg ; and found himself
received with cold politeness in houses where he had been accustomed
to meet with attachment. Notwithstanding his extraordinary elo-
quence, the Abbe Maury had been before the revolution what he was
in proscription — what he continued under the empire — a man of
talent rather than a man of sense, and a curate of the time of the
league, rathar than an abbe of the reign of Louis XV. His figure
was in the highest degree disagreeable. An enormous square head
presented a bald forehead of immense capacity, surmounted by that
tuft of hair which the country abbes and the curates of villages for-
merly had made by their perruquier ; his eyes were remarkably
small, and, except at the moment of speaking, when they were ani-
mated, were unexpressive ; his nose was almost sunk in two immense
masses of flesh, across which nature placed a prodigious horizontal
aperture, which the two ears only seemed to prevent from making the
tour of the head ; his small teeth were all shaped like the incisors, a
peculiarity which must have been extremely useful to his eminence,
who devoured an enormous quantity of food ; his manners at table
were altogether revolting.

Notwithstanding his profound veneration for power, the cardinal
sometimes discussed (he did not dispute) literary subjects with the
Emperor. Napoleon highly esteemed Corneille. He supported Ra-
cine, but he admired and loved Corneille, which I can perfectly com-
prehend, because I feel with him. But the cardinal, to my great
surprise, was not of the same mind. The Emperor one day said to
him, " How is it that you do not like Corneille?"

"Sire," replied the cardinal, "I admire Corneille, but I like
Racine." — " And I accuse your Racine of affectation in all his love
scenes," said the Emperor, "for love he must have in his plays; it
is as essential to the piece as a prompter to the actors. None bin
ycung people can possibly like Racine. And how, (liable, can you,
Monsieur le Cardinal, at your age, set up for the champion of Racine,
the ladies' poet? Give me Corneille: he is the man who knew the
world."-— " And how should he come by bis knowledge, when he saw
no one ?"

The Emperor casl n contemptuous look at the cardinal, as if he
now measured him for the first time. "Thai is precisely why I
maintain that Corneille is a greal man. At a distance from the court,
from intrigues, and from business, he guessed, as it were, the tnio
situation of empires, sovereigns, and ] »ople. The greal Conde, OD

246 NAPOLEON, HIS COJRT AND FAMILY.

seeing some piece of Corneille's represented, I believe it was Sertoriua
exclaimed, " Where did Corneille loarn the art of war'? And I say,''
added the Emperor, t; that for Corneille's fine tragedies to be justly
appreciated, the audience should be composed of kings, ministers, and
great functionaries."

In fact, Napoleon was formed to understand the genius of a man
whose principal talent lay in generalizing his ideas, in reducing them
to political maxims, and in expressing them in poetry which often
rises to the sublime. On another occasion, the Emperor said to the
cardinal, " If Corneille had been living in my time, I should have
made him a prince !" — " And why not a minister, if he was so
clever?" said the cardinal with sufficient sharpness and a half smile.
— " No," replied the Emperor, dryly ; " I have had experience that
the best composer of phrases may make the worst man of business.
The coadjutor could make good speeches, but he would have been a
bad minister; and Mazarin, of whom he spoke ill, would not have
liked him for a secretary. He was a marplot and a caviller"
{ergoteur). This latter word the Emperor frequently applied to
persons who spoke and disputed much.

The Emperor's return was the cause of many festivities. The
city of Paris wished to express its joy in receiving him again, and
invited him to a fete. He accepted the invitation, and the 15th of
August was the day appointed. Preparations were made with great
expedition. To have the means of conveniently accommodating
sufficient numbers on such occasions, a banqueting-hall had been
constructed in the great court of the Hotel-de-Ville ; the fetes given
there were always very splendid. Count Frochot, who was then
prefect of Paris, perfectly understood the art of superintending such
fairy contrivances. Madame Frochot was not at Paris; all the
ceremonial of the day, therefore, devolved upon me. I wras six
months advanced in my pregnancy, and the fatigue did not suit me
at all ; but it was not allowable to reason with the Emperor upon
the possibility, more or less, of performing any task; if you could
march, with him you must march. The heat was excessive, and was
extremely inconvenient, I was uncomfortable, and out of humour,
cause enough for making the finest day appear cloudy, and the gayest
fete dull.

Junot went to meet the Emperor, but M. Frochot and I received
the Empress on the great steps of the Hotel-de-Ville, as she alighted
from her carriage. I was at the head of twenty-four ladies represent-
ing by their husband's names the commercial and banking inteiests
of the capital. I had previously submitted a list of their names tc

junot's INTERVIEW WITH NAPOLEON". 247

the. grand-marshal and grand-master of the ceremonies, and it had
been by them laid before the Emperor, who one day made sime
loud complaii.ts of this list, because two of the names represented the
wives of two chamberlains. " Ladies who have been presented, I see
often at the Tuileries," said he, " at the Hotel-de-Ville I wish to see
only Parisian faces. J wish to become acquainted with the city of
Paris, do you understand that, Madame Junot ?"

The Empress came late. The ceremonies of her reception were
the same as on the preceding year. The ball was opened by the
Grand Duchess of Berg, the Princess Stephanie, Madame Lallemand
a lady of the palace, a city lady, the daughter or wife of one of the
mayors, and myself. I cannot remember the partners of all these
ladies, but 1 danced with the Grand Duke of Berg, or rather walked,
for dreading an accident I dared not exert myself farther.

One cause in particular had greatly contributed to damp my
spirits on this occasion, so joyous to others, and in which certainly
I was at the height of my feminine glory, and receiving flattery
enough to have made me forget any circumstances less painful than
those which at that moment were opening before me. Junot was
about to quit Paris, in expiation of the fault he had committed, in
listening to gracious words, and returning tender looks. He was
appointed commander-in-chief of the army of observation of the
Gironde, now assembling at Bordeaux and Bayonne.

J shall never forget the impression which the Emperor's order, to
go and assume the command of the army of the Gironde, made upon
Junot. "So then you exile me!" he said to Napoleon in a tone of
affliction, which sensibly affected the Emperor; "you send me from
Paris at the moment of your return to it. What more could you
have done, had I committed a crime?" — "You have not committed
a crime, but you have erred. It is necessary that you should remove
for some time from Paris, to silence the reports which have long
Keen current respecting my sister and you. I defy any human being
to persist in spreading them when the confidential service with which
I am investing you becomes known. You will correspond only
with me; you will continue governor of Paris. Come, my old
friend . . . the marshal's baton is yonder." lie held out his band,
which .Junot seized, and wept like a child, still repeating, "And
jrel you remove me from you!" — " But I am at this momenl in no
danger," replied the Emperor, affected by Junot's emotion. "You
will only lose a few fetes, and you have had dancing enough in m^
absence. Come, my friend, take courage. It is a noble mission that
is imposed upon you. I was on the point of giving it to Lannep, or

248 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

^TuiTit ; then remembering that you had been deprived of youi
share of glory, in the last campaign, I wished to make you amends.
Believe me, the true reason of your appointment is my solicitude foi
your own honour."

When Junot repeated this conversation to me, I did not remark
to him what principally struck me, because in my opinion the
Emperor was desirous of administering balm to the wound. How
skilful he was ! how well he knew the hearts of men ! Junot had
gone to him in despair, he left him comforted, and ready to shed
the last drop of his blood to add one leaf to Napoleon's triumphal
crown.

As soon as Junot had made up his mind to accept the command
of the army of observation of the Gironde, the ultimate destination
of which was at this period known only to himself, he hastened the
preparations for his departure. I saw that he was unhappy, that he
quitted Paris with extreme pain ; and though he could not acknow-
ledge to me the true cause of this sorrow, I guessed it, and pitied
him ; but I can never forgive her who was the cause of his disgrace
(for disgrace it was to him, however gilded), and who had not great-
ness of mind sufficient to acknowledge that all the fault was on her
side. I was afterwards made acquainted with every secret feeling
of Junot's heart : of that noble heart which never conceived a deceit-
ful thought or a malicious plan to destroy the innocent. I knew how
generously he kept silence ; and 1 shall follow his example in what
concerns myself. But I owe it to his memory to unveil all the
manoeuvres which were put in practice to secure him in Murat's
interests in the terrible hypothesis of a misfortune happening lo the
Emperor in one of his military absences — at least at that time it was
only in this event that the proposition of acting was made ; but when
once it had become habitual to consider Murat seated upon Na
poleon's chair, mounting his horse — Murat, in short, master of France
— when once the burlesque of this possibility should have disappeared
by the custom of contemplating it, because there is nothing which the
eye does not in the end find suitable from the long-continued habit of
perseveringly looking upon it, then, at length, might have been said,

" The enemy's ball has long delayed to strike the hazards

of war are very uncertain ! and from this reflection, to supplying
the indolence or slowness of the enemy's ball, the step is but
short."

The marriage of Prince Jerome with a German Princess was now
much spoken of. There were Arch Duchesses, but they were too
young ; there were Grand Duchesses, but their mothers would not

SUPPRESSION OF THE TRIBUNATE 249

give them to France, not even to its supreme chief; conjectures were
numerous, but no certainty was obtained till the Emperor himself
announced the approaching marriage of Prince Jerome with the
Princess Catherine, daughter of the then reigning King of Wirtem-
berg. The dominions of Hesse Cassel, Brunswick, Fulda, Paderborn,
and the greatest part of Hanover had just been united to compose
the kingdom of Westphalia. It was pretty loudly said that the
biidal pair were to reign over it, but the Emperor did not explain
his intentions, and it did not answer to make guesses at them in his
presence. But while the subjects of this new state were waiting a
king of the Emperor's choice, he sent them a regency composed of
tho counsellors of state, Beugnot, Simeon, Jollivet, and General
Joseph Lagrange.

A commotion was excited in the interior of France at this time
by the suppression of the Tribunate, which the Emperor had felt to
be a restraint upon him ever since the coronation. The repeated
opposition of this body to his will, especially in respect to the legion
of honour, and to the establishment of the Empire itself, had given
him an antipathy to it; he never took such antipathies on slight
grounds, but they were generally, as in the present instance, irre-
vocable sentences of death. Every time that the preparatory dis-
cussion of a new law was brought before the chamber of the tribunate,
a host of difficulties arose, which always renewed the Emperor's
discontent. The moment, then, that he thought himself strong enough
to carry measures according to his will, he joyfully suppressed the
tribunate ; ordaining that in future the proposed laws should be
discussed by three committees of finance, of administration, and of
legislation, all taken from the legislative body. Another senatus-
consultum of the same day made a great attack upon the political
rights of Frenchmen, by decreeing that no one could be elected a
deputy under the age of forty years.

The army, notwithstanding the Emperor's absence, continued ita
career of conquest. Marshal Brune took Stralsund by capitulation,
and the island of Rugen fell into our hands. The King of Prussia
dosed the Baltic against English commerce ; and England, so attacked,
must soon have bowed before the iron will of Napoleon. It is a
remarkable circumstance, that the English, attacked on all sides, and
abandoned by all, made no effort to relieve Gustavus, their only re-
maining ally, but Buffered him to he overcome, while they abandoned
themselves to internal intrigues, and to a cunning and sordid policy,
the evidence of weakness. At this lime England was weak, for the
attack noon Copenhagen musl not he considered as a proof of

250 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

strength in her government. A really strong government commits
no act of baseness, and the bombardment of Copenhagen certainly
was one, and equally impolitic.

Then appeared that proclamation, as it may be called, for it had
nothing of the nature of a diplomatic note, in which Napoleon pro-
scribed all connexion, political or commercial, with England ; he
added in this state paper, one of those which most decisively an
nounced his domineering will, and that amongst the continental poweis
in alliance with him, there was one which must be punished for its
double alliance ; he threatened the Prince Regent of Portugal with
deposition, and from that moment his destiny was known.

A treaty of alliance immediately followed the bombardment of
Copenhagen ; the King, in his wrath, would I believe have sold his
people to obtain the means of vengeance. At the same time the Em
peror Alexander, for whom I acknowledge a great predilection, and
whom I believe to have long acted honestly with us, proclaimed anew
the famous armed neutrality, the masterpiece of Catherine's wisdom.
He also issued a manifesto filled with wise reasons in justification of
this measure. I shall always believe, that the Emperor Alexander
would long have been the sincere friend of France, if Napoleon would
have permitted him.

CHAPTER XXV.

Letter from Duroc — The Princess of Wirtemberg expected at Raincy — Con-
sternation— Preparations for the reception of her Royal Highness — Her
arrival — Her portrait — Dismissal of her German attendants — The royal
breakfast — M. de Winzingerode — Stag-hunt in the park — The Princess's
dress — The dinner at Raincy — Her Royal Highness's request — Arrival of
Prince Jerome — Recollections of Baltimore — Interview of Jerome Bona-
parte with the Princess Catherine — Departure for Paris, and arrival at
the Tuileries — Junot's distress — The Faubourg St. Germain.

It was the 20th of August ; Junot had made all his preparations for
his journey, and was gone to dine with M. Lalligant, one of his
friends, to whose child he and Madame de Caraman were to stand
sponsors. The house was encumbered with chests and portmanteaux,
the courtyard with baggage- waggons and carriages; every thing an-
nounced the approaching departure of the master of the mansion : in
fact, in two days, Junot wa9 abi ut to set out for Bordeaux, the place
of his immediate destination \ had superintended all that was to

PRINCESS OF WIRTEMBERG AT RAINCY. 251

make the journey agreeable, and I was fatigued ; but at nine o'clock,
just as I was going to bed, my valet-de-chambre informed me that
one of the Emperor's footmen was in waiting to deliver a letter to
Junot from the Grand-Marshal. I took the letter, which was en-
dorsed, The Grand- Marshal of the Palace ; and beside 5 this signature,
in scarcely legible writing, were the words, in great haste ; the whole
address was in Duroc's hand. I made two men mount on horseback,
wrote a few words for each of them, and sent them in different direc-
tions to find Junot; but while they were in search of him he arrived.
He had been to a certain hotel, where he had learnt the purport of
Duroc's letter, which was to the following effect :

" The Princess Royal of Wirtembcrg, my dear Junot, will arrive
at Raincy with her suite, to morrow morning at nine o'clock, and will
rest there till seven in the evening. His Majesty has made this
arrangement. Will you have the goodness to give orders that every
thing should be in readiness to receive her. I will send whatever
you think requisite for her proper accommodation, and for the kitchen
service. " I renew my assurances of attachment to you.

Duroc.
" 20 — At six in the evening."

" Well !" said I to Junot, after reading it, " a pretty employment
they are giving us to accomplish ! It is much like one of the orders
given to the Princess Graciosa, by her tyrannical stepmother; but
the misfortune is, we have no Prince Percinet with his wand." Junot
walked about with a look of care. I saw that I had done wrong in
complaining, which would but increase his ill-humour, and going up
to him with a smile, I said, " But standing there like the god Termi-
nus will not forward this business that I am complaining of, and
which after all is not worth talking about. It appears that Her Royal
Highness is to spend the whole day with us at Raincy ; it will be your
affair to dispose matters so that she shall not be weary of us ; which
is just possible, because neither the dogs nor the stags are packed up,
80 that you will be able to show her a hunt; and if it should not bfl
quite so agreeable to you as your chase by the light of flambeaux, the
Princess will understand, that with the best, intentions in the world it
is only possible to give what one has. Come, answer Duroc; or do
you wish me to do it?" And I went to my disk. Junot looked at
me, listened, and had the air of waking by degrees; his line counte-
nance, to which gloom was not at all becoming, cleared up, and at
last became even cheerful. "Yes, answer him," he replied, embra
cing me slightly.

252 NAPOLEON, HIS COULiT AND FAMILY.

1 wrote to Duroc, that we were about to give the necessary orders
for the reception of her Royal Highness, and that Junot and I returned
thanks to the Emperor for giving us this new opportunity of proving
our devotedness to him. I thanked Duroc for his offer of sending us
all things necessary for the service, but added, " This would incon-
venience rather than assist us; and I engage to be perfectly prepared
for the reception of the Princess at the hour appointed." I then sent
for Rechaud. This Rechaud was a clever, and, in our present di-
lemma, a most important personage : he was moreover a thoroughly
honest man, a qualification not often to be found combined with skill
;n his profession. He and his brother had been brought up in the
kitchen of the Prince of Conde ; and afterwards became so expert in
cookery, that they attained great celebrity in the gastronomic world.
Rechaud had previously given me a specimen of his ability in the
employment in which it was now wanted, by preparing in a few hours
for the reception of the Marquis de la Romana at Raincy in great
form. I explained the state of the present case, and he instantly
understood all that was to be done. " Madame may set out for
Raincy," he said with a sang-froid worthy of Vatel, " every thing
shall be ready at the time mentioned."

I knew Rechaud ; and getting into my carriage set out for Raincy
without any anxiety, at ten o'clock at night, and in delightful weather.
On reaching the mansion, 1 found carts already arrived with pro-
visions for the morrow. All night the road to Raincy was travelled
over by goers and comers transporting thither whatever was needful,
not simply for food but for luxury. The next morning, before I was
up, Rechaud tapped at the door of the bath-room, where I had slept
to leave my apartment for the use of the Princess of Wirtemberg in
case she should wish to retire to it upon her arrival ; he came to tell
me that every thing was quite ready. Neither had I been idle in the
department which fell under my superintendence ; all the apartments
■\vere in perfect order for the reception of the Princess and suite, even
to the superb bath-room, which was prepared in case the Princess
should choose to leave the dust of her journey in one of its fine
marble basins. One thing teased me sadly : it was my curiosity to
know why the Princess on arriving within four leagues of Paris
should be detained there a visitor to the governor of the city without
daring to proceed. Junot pretty well knew both the Emperor's
orders in this matter and his reasons for them. He did not choose
that the Princess Royal of Wirtemberg should make such an entrance
into Paris as the Duchess of Burgundy and her sister the fair Gabrielle
nf Savov might he ve made ; and when he found that the march of tho

PORTRAIT OF THE r'KlNCESS. 253

Princess had been so stupidly calculated, that she would arrive within
sight of the barriers at ten o'clock in the morning, he determined that
she should not pass them till eight in the evening, and that she should
remain in the interim at some private villa which might be hired for
the occasion. The Emperor was going to dismiss Duroc after having
given him these orders, when he cried out suddenly, " Oh ! parbleu !
— Junot — Junot has Raincy — the Princess must spend the day at
Raincy. It is a charming place, and 1 hope she will think it a great
deal more beautiful than the huge, demi-gothic castles of Suabia and
Bavaria. Besides, Madame Junot knows how to speak to crowned
heads. Then write to Junot that the Princess Catherine of Wirtem-
berg will pass to-morrow with him and his wife ; his wife must go
also, her pregnancy is no hinderance to that."

The Princess arrived at Raincy exactly at nine o'clock, as had
been announced. She possessed the German preciseness, even in its
minutest details. I was impatient to become acquainted with the
Princess. Jerome's fate could not be indifferent to me ; for I had
loved him from childhood, and though he, only, had treated me with
coldness at the death of my mother, I still continued very much
attached to him. He had sworn to me when we met at breakfast in
Estramadura, that he should never forget the mother of his son, her
who had given him a paradise in a strange country. I involuntarily
thought of that young victim, who was said to be so beautiful, and
who was so affectionate ! who had had a child ! but was that child to
become an orphan 1 It was therefore with a strong prepossession
against her that I approached the Princess of Wirtemberg with my
compliments. She received me with perfect grace, perceived my
situation at once, and assured me that if she had known that I was so
far advanced in pregnancy, she would have sent me a courier very
early in the morning to desire me not to rise to receive her.

The Princess of Wirtemberg, at the time I am speaking of, was
about nineteen or twenty years of age; she was handsome; the turn
of her head gave her an expression of dignified pride which became
her noble brow, and which would have been still more graceful nad
ber neck, and indeed her whole figure, been something less short. She
was not pretty in the general acceptation of the word, though all her
features were good, but, she seldom smiled, and the expression of her
countenance wanted urbanity ; it was, if not disagreeable, at least,
exceedingly haughty, and was dignified and serious, rather than pleas-
ing and gracious; her head was too much sunk between her sbouhh l ^
though she held it as high as possible to lose nothing of her stature,
which was low. At the moment I first saw her, this chancteristif

254 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

haughtiness was more than usually conspicuous. At first this exprcs.
sion struck nie as very disagreeable, notwithstanding her extreme
politeness to myself; but in a few minutes I understood her feelings,
and far from blaming them, felt myself much interested in her situa-
tion. It was really a very painful one, and it was not for me, a woman,
to be insensible to it. Two days previously the Princess had beer,
separated from all her German attendants. The Emperor, though he
did not like Louis XIV., chose him for a model in matters of etiquette ;
and as he had isolated the foreign Princesses who came into France,
whether from the north, as in the case of the wife of his brother, or
from the south, as the Duchess of Burgundy, so the Princess of
Wirtemberg was separated from her German household, notwith-
standing a species of resistance, very natural in her situation. This
situation was not similar to that of all Princesses quitting their own
country to share a foreign throne; she was obliged at the same time
to surmount the national prejudice so strongly rooted amongst the
Germans against unequal alliances (and if the Emperor, surrounded
by the blaze of his glory, that dominating spell which commands
admiration, might be excepted from the anathema, it was not so with
his brothers) ; and the bitter consideration that she was about to give
her hand to a man who had already a contracted marriage, which gave
to another woman still living the rights of wife and mother. This
knowledge, sufficiently distressing to any one, must have been doubly
so to a Princess condemned to silence, constraint, and dissimulation,
and to the concealment of her tears from new servants whose presence
thus makes the hours of retirement more heavy than those of public
ceremonial. The Princess of Wirtemberg then was received on her
entrance into the French territory by the court of honour which the
Emperor had sent to meet her, and which was wholly taken from that
of the Empress. Marshal Bessieres had espoused the Princess as
proxy for the Prince.

On the arrival of the Princess at Raincy she was offered a bath
in the elegant bath-room, but refused it, and seemed desirous to have
an early breakfast. As I did not know what she might like, I had
prepared two breakfast services, that she might take hers in her own
apartment if she preferred it ; but she declined, and even expressed
a wish that all my inmates should breakfast with her, desiring me to
invite them in her name. She seemed uneasy, as far as the passi-
bility cf her countenance allowed me to judge, at the delay of her
Other's minister, M. de Winzingerode, who did not arrive till ten
o'clock : he was a young man, tall, fair, without the smallest degree
of expression in his eye, smile, 01 attitude ; a perfect god Terminus ■

DRESS OF THE PRINCESS. 255

nis wife, who was also expected, did not come, for some reason which
I do not now recollect. The countenance of the Princess, upon seeing
the ambassador, immediately changed, which further convinced me
that my former observation of the constraint she had imposed upon
herself was correct : it was clear she was in a state of great suffering ;
the unexpected removal of her German suite had oppressed her, even
to the injury of her health, which was manifestly affected.

Breakfast was over by half-past eleven o'clock ; I asked the Pri.i-
eess whether she would like to witness a stag-hunt in the park, and
whether she would ride on horseback or in an open carriage. She
chose the carriage, and having ordered two of those sort of basket
sociables, which are used by the ladies who follow the chase at Fon-
tainebleau and Rambouillet, we set out to make the first tour of the
forest of Bondy ; then re-entering the park by the gate of Chelles,
we were met by the huntsman and hounds, and a young buck was
turned out, which was almost immediately taken and very much
maltreated by the dogs. The Princess, who at first was serious, if
not melancholy, became more cheerful as we rode, and at length
seemed very well pleased. The heat being excessive, we returned to
the house as the clock struck three ; leaving indeed not more than
.•Bine enough for the party to dress for dinner.

When the Princess came into the drawing-room, half-an-hour be-
fore dinner time, I felt some regret that no one had had the courage
to recommend her a different style of dress. She was about to have
a first interview with a man on whom was to depend the happiness
of her future life, and whose youthful imagination, poetical as is
natural to the natives of the south, could adorn an absent object with
additional charms, while Madame Jerome Bonaparte, without the aid
of imagination, was really a charming woman. As the Princess
Catherine had mule up her mind to give her hand to Prince Jerome,
it was the more desirable that she should please him, as, notwith-
standing his too ready submission to the will of Napoleon, it was
certain he regretted his divorced wife, for Miss Patterson really was
his wife, and it would have been politic to appear before him with all
the advantages dress could bestow, while, on the contrary, hers was
in inconceivable bad taste, for the year |M(>7. The gown was of
white moire, hut, of a bluish white, which was out of fashion at the
time, and trimmed in front, with a, verv badly-worked silver ein-
broidery, in a style, which had also been forgotten : then the cut
of the dress itself corresponded exactly with its trimming in point

of novelty: it was a very tight frock, with a little train exactly re-
sembling the round tail of the heaver, ami tight Hat sleeves, com

250 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

pressing the arm above the elbow, like a bandage after blood-letting,
Her shoes were so pointed that they seemed to belong to the era of
King John. The hair was dressed in a similarly old-fashioned style,
mid was particularly unbecoming to a countenance of which not only
the features were good, but the expression very striking. Her com-
plexion was very fair and fresh, her hair light, her eyes blue, her
teeth very white; all which, with a turn of her head, at once gracious
and dignified, gave her personal advantages which she seemed to
despise by the total indifference with which she permitted those about
her to take the entire management of her dress. She wore round
her neck two rows of very fine pearls, to which was suspended the
portrait of the Prince set in diamonds ; the size of the medallion
having probably been left to the taste of the jeweller, he had made
it of dimensions capable of carrying the greatest possible number of
jewels, but certainly much too large to be ornamental, as it dangled
from the neck of the Princess, and bestowed heavy blows at every
movement. Rank, however, goes for much in all cases, for her Royal
Highness, in this tasteless attire, entered the drawing-room of Raincy
with the same majestic air which distinguished her at St. Cloud two
months after, when she walked the gallery in a full court suit, em-
broidered by Lenormand, and made by Leroy, her hair dressed by
Frederic or Charbonnier, and her neck ornamented by a magnificent
necklace admirably set by Fonder or Nitot. Then her apparent
indifference to sueh trifles proved what widely different subjects
occupied her really superior mind, in this, perhaps the most impor-
tant moment of her life.

By her own desire the ladies only were to dine with her, and in
consequence I ordered the dinner in the library, a large rotunda in
the left wing of the mansion looking upon the park. We were six,
including the Princess and her three ladies, for her Royal Highness
was good enough to permit my friend Madame Lallemand to join
our party, though she had not yet been presented.

A few moments after the dinner was announced I remarked that
the Princess was much agitated. I concluded that she had some wish,
which she felt unwilling to express to the strangers who surrounded
her, and who, in a moment when, above all others, she stood in need
of sympathy, would probably answer her only by a respectful smile
or with perfect indifference. I therefore approached her, and without
abruptly putting the question, 1 drew her on to speak to me with
more confidence than she had yet done to any of the persons in her
service. " Would it be possible," said she, " for me to have some
minutes' notice previous to the Prince's arrival ?" She coloured

THE DINNER PARTY AT RAINCT. 257

highly as she finished these words. This emotion, which was certainly
not the effect of love, must have been very painful ; I appeared not
to remark it, and congratulated myself on the facility with which 1
xmld gratify her Royal Highness's wishes. Raincy is perhaps the
only country-seat in the neighbourhood of Paris which would afford
this convenience. Its avenue of poplars leading from the high road
nearly to the grand entrance of the mansion is almost three furlongs
in length. 1 mentioned the Princess's wish to Junot, who thought
with me that she was desirous of preparing her mind for an interview
of which she had probably a painful anticipation. He immediately
gave orders to M. de Grandsaigne to take his station at the end of
the avenue nearest to the house, and the moment the Prince's car-
riages should appear to bring me word. I informed the Princess
that her wishes should be attended to, and we sat down to table,
while Junot entertained Marshal Bessieres and the rest of her Royal
Highness's suite in the dining-room. The dinner was dull. I watched
the movements of the Princess, which were more hasty than in the
morning ; her cheeks were highly flushed, and her absence of manner
betrayed an inward agitation, disguised by the dignity which she had
been taught. We remained but a short time at table, when 1 had
twice asked whether her Royal Highness would like to take her coffee
and ice in the park or in the great saloon, she looked at me with the
air of a person who hears without understanding, and said, " Eh ? —
Which you please."

At half-past six we retired to the saloon, and the Princess having
asked me whether 1 had thought of her wishes, I went to inquire if
Junot had taken care that his vidette was at his post. But finding
that Junot, Bessieres, and the rest of the gentlemen, relieved from
their attendance by the will of the Princess, thought only of length-
ening out the pleasures of a good dinner, and that the dining-room
was sending out loud specimens of their joviality, I went myself to
the Russian cottage, where poor M. de Grandsaigne was dining all
alone, and pointing his opera-glass down the avenue. " Sister Anne,
Bister Anne!" I cried out to him from the lawn, for 1 was not in n
condition to be very active, "sister Anne, sister Anne! do you see
anything coming?" — '• 1 see, my Castellane, only the gra»s that's
growing, and the dust that's blowing," replied my gallant warder,
with all the courtesy of one of Louis XV. 's musketeers, and which
bad been taughl by his father, who had belonged to that venerable

troop. I also looked down the avenue, and saw nothing. Bui at the

moment 1 was about to return into the house, a cloud of dust arose
on the road to Paris, and presently BeveraJ carriages entered th«
56

208 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

avenue. 1 then immediately went to give notice to the Princess, who
thanked me with a half smile, which was painful to witness. IIci
face assumed a deep scarlet hue, and her agitation fur a moment was

alarming; but it subsided, at least outwardly, and she quickly re-
gained her self-command. She called Madame de Lupay to her, and
probably gave her orders that her departure should immediately
fellow the interview ; she then took her station in the saloon where
it was to take place. This saloon, as described in a former part of
this volume, is divided into three parts, the music-room being at one
extremity, the billiard-room at the other, and the reception or draw-
ing-room in the middle. In this centre division the Princess seated
herself beside the chimney, having an arm-chair near her which was
intended for the Prince. We were all in the billiard-room, from
whence we could see all that passed in the drawing-room, being sep-
arated from it only by a range of pillars with statues in the inter-
columinations. The Prince was to enter by the music-room.

Already the rolling of the carriage-wheels in the avenue was
heard, when Madame Lallemand, catching hold of my dress, exclaimed,
"Do you know it has just crossed my mind, that the sight of me
at this moment may make a singular impression upon the Prince.
I had better retire." — " Why ?" — " Because the last time he saw me
was at Baltimore with Miss Patterson, with whom I was very inti-
mate. Do you not think that seeing me again, on such an occasion
as the present, might recall a great deal that has passed ]" — " Indeed
I do !" I exclaimed, thrusting her into the adjoining room, for at this
moment a noise in the hall announced the Prince's arrival, and in a
few seconds the door was opened, and Marshal Bessieres introduced
him. The Prince was accompanied by the officers of his household,
among whom were Cardinal Maury, the chief almoner, and M. Alex-
ander Le Camus, who already possessed great influence over him,
and who felt it advisable not to lose sight of him in a moment to
which his advice had given rise, and which might prove important to
his future fate. I do not believe that Jerome would ever have aban-
doned Miss Patterson if he had not been urged to it by counsels
vhich he had not strength of mind enough to resist. The Prince's
attendants remained in the music-room during the interview.

The saloon of Raincy seemed to be made expressly for the inter-
view which was now to take place. The Princess was seated near the
chimney, though there was no fire. On the Prince's entrance she
rose, advanced two steps towards him, and made the compliment of
reception with equal grace and dignity. Jerome bowed neither well
nor ill ; he seemed to be there, because he had been told "You musl

jerome bonapartes interview. 259

go there." He approached the Princess, who seemed at this moment
to have recovered all her presence of mind, and all the calm dignity
of the woman and the Princess. After the exchange of a few words,
she offered to the Prince the arm-chair, which had been placed near
her, and a conversation was opened upon the subject of her journey.
It was short, and closed by Jerome's rising and saying, " My brother
is waiting for us ; I will not longer deprive him of the pleasure of
making acquaintance with the new sister I am about to give him."

The Princess smiled, and accompanied the Prince as far as the
entrance of the music-room, whence he retired with his attendants.
As soon as she had lost sight of him, the colour in her cheeks in-
creased so violently that I feared the bursting of a blood-vessel. She
acknowledged indisposition ; we gave her air and eau de Cologne ; in
a few minutes she recovered her self-possession. This fainting fit,
though laid to the account of heat and fatigue, was certainly occa-
sioned by the violent constraint the Princess had for some hours put
upon herself. The prejudices of a German Princess against an un-
equal alliance, joined to the almost antipathy borne by every German
to the name of Bonaparte, and together with these simple causes, the
knowledge of the previous marriage of the man to whom she was
about to give her hand, were sufficient to overpower a more resolute
person than the Princess Catherine of Wirtemberg ; and in truth I
considered it very natural not only that she should be indisposed, but
sufficiently so to retard her departure from Raincy, and with it the
ceremony, which might appear to her almost sacrilegious, but which
was to set the seal upon her future destiny. I have heard the de-
votedness of the Queen of Westphalia very highly eulogised, and in
fact it is truly noble in her peculiar situation. She was, however,
ready to set out when Junot came to inform her that her carriages
were drawn up. I staid at Raincy, for the day had been so fatiguing
that I was unable to undergo another court ceremonial. The Prin-
cess at the moment of her departure approached me, and said, with a
gracious smile, "Madame Junot, 1 shall never forget Raincy, ami the
hospitality I have experienced here. This place will always recall
Some of the most pleasing moments of my life." I [ere was a spee< li
worthy of the King, her father, an adept in diplomacy ; lor honestly,
the moments which had preceded its utterance were certainly suf
ficiently bitter.

She set out accompanied by Junot and Bessieres. 1 afterwards
learnt, that on her arrival at the Tuileries, the Emperor went to the
top of the great staircase to meet, her. On approaching him, she
made an effort to kneel and kiss his hand, but the Emperor, stooping

260 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

immediately, constrained her to rise, and conducted her to the thi one-
room, where all the Imperial family were assembled, and where he
presented her to them as a daughter and sister. She was surrounded,
caressed, and received with every mark of satisfaction into the family
circle.

I returned to Paris, and found Junot in a state of distress which
pave 7iie extreme pain. Every effort had been used to erect between
the Emperor and his old aide-de-camp, his old friend, a kind of bar-
rier of the nature of which Junot himself was not aware, because his
noble character kept him a stranger to all mysterious manoeuvres.
" You visit none but my enemies," said the Emperor one day to Ju-
not, who was thunderstruck. Up to this time, this speech, a very
common one, had been addressed only to me, and so little conse-
quence did I attach to it, that I had begun to take no notice of it
whatever. But Junot was more astonished than I was in the habit
of being, at the strange reproach that was addressed to him, and he
made no answer. " Yes," repeated the Emperor; "you visit only
my enemies; what is the meaning of this whist-party which you have
drawn together, and which is composed of persons all objectionable to
me ?" " This whist-party, Sire, is composed of the same persons who
played at M. de Talleyrand's, and I never heard of your Majesty
having addressed such reproaches to him. I suppose they were all
reserved for me." " But, in short," said Napoleon, " can you explain
to me, why you visit at a certain house of the Eaubourg St. Germain,
where I am so much detested, to speak plainly, that I wonder why I
allow such people to remain in Paris ?" " I visit at no house in the
Eaubourg St. Germain, Sire. There was once at Paris a person in
whom I had a warm interest, and at whose house I was in the habit
of often meeting individuals whom your Majesty might consider your
enemies, but of whom you have probably changed your opinion, as
many of them are now about your person." " It is not my actions
that are in question," replied the Emperor, knitting his brow, as
having evidently the worst of the argument. " Why do you visit at
Madame de Luynes's, where you pass your life, and where you allow
yourself to be maltreated by saucy girls, who think themselves privi-
leged by their sex to play with impunity with the sword of one of my
bravest soldiers'? How long may they have thought this possible?
Ah, ah ! Monsieur Junot ! . . . . You see that I know all .... I am
thoroughly well informed."

On hearing the name of Madame de Luynes, Junot did not at first
know what to think of it ; but his surprise soon gave way to so pain-
ful a feeling, that he drew a deep sigh, putting his hands before hi?

JUNOT OFFERS HIS RESIGNATION. 261

eyes- The Emperor, believing him self-convicted, and that he was at
a loss for a defence, repeated, " Yes, yes ; I am perfectly well in-
formed ; you cannot deny it." " Sire," said Junot at length, with
great solemnity of manner, " I feel myself obliged to tender my resig-
nation to your Majesty ; for it is impossible I can continue my ser
vices about your person, when you will give credit to all the absurd
falsehoods which are reported to you respecting my wife and myself.
You would believe me in conspiracy against you if they were to bring
you a report to that effect."

Junot's expression in making this last remark affected Napoleon,
who answered mildly, "That is a very different affair." "By no
means, Sire, as your Majesty will probably understand, when I tell
you that my wife and I have been but once to the hotel de Luynes.
My wife, it is true, was well acquainted with Madame de Chevreuse
before the marriage of either, but her opposition has been so public,
that Madame Junot has not sought a renewal of the connexion. With
respect to allowing myself to be maltreated by saucy girls, I am not
aware of having hitherto given much cause for supposing that I should
submit to disrespect from any individual whatsoever. But I will
prove to your Majesty how much you should be on your guard
against reports brought to you by any other than the constituted
chief authorities, Dubois, Fouche, Duroc, and myself." And here-
upon Junot succinctly related to the Emperor the circumstances
which had given rise to these calumnies ; and 1 afterwards described
to him more at length the history of the ever mg we had spent at the
hotel de Luynes.

262 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER XXVI.

Fnnot's departure for Bordeaux, and subsequently for Portugal — Secret instruc-
tions relative to the Portuguese campaign — General Loison — His accusations
against Junot — Colonel Napier — Predilections in favour of England — ■
Charles X. at the exhibition of National Industry — Convention of Cintra —
Fetes at Fontainebleau — The Emperor's new amours — His solitary rides in
the forest — His dislike to attendance — Melancholy presentiments of the
Empress — Duroc's hostility to her — Interview at Mantua between Napoleon
and Lucien — The Imperial brother and the Republican brother — Lucien's
ideas of kingly duties — The parting — Scene at Malmaison in 1804 — Lucien's
prediction.

Junot at length set out on the 28th of August, 1807, for Bor-
deaux. He received secret instructions at great length from the
Emperor before his departure, and further orders were to be sent to
him at Bordeaux, on the receipt of which he set out for Portugal,
and his army had already passed Alcantara before the people of Paris
were aware of its destination. Not only were the ministerial orders
precise, but the private letters of the Emperor were peremptory in
requiring the utmost possible celerity in his march upon Lisbon, and
that he should make great sacrifices to obtain the predominant object
of the expedition, which was, to prevent the fleet and ports of Lisbon
being surrendered to the English.

" Grant nothing to the Prince of Brazil, even though he should
promise to make war on England ; enter Lisbon, and take possession
of the shipping and the dock-yards." Such were Napoleon's secret
instructions, written at his dictation by M. de Menneval.

This campaign, one of the most remarkable in which our armies
had been engaged since that of 1T90 (I mean the first campaign of
Portugal, for there were three, and, as Junot's wife, I must protest
against either the second or third being attributed to him), offered
nothing but discouragement and annoyance to my husband. Jealousy
and envy erected a barrier to prevent his glory penetrating to the
land of his cradle. There were generals in his army, whose names
were amongst the laurel-leaves which composed the triumphal garland
of France ; those truly brave and talented men were faithful and true
brethren in arms to their commander-in-chief. At their head was the

ACCUSATIONS OF LOISON. 263

Duke de Valmy, the valiant and loyal General Kellerman, who, lika
our ancient worthies, conscious that his own glory was proof, dreaded
not that of others. To him I may add the Generals Laborde, Thie-
bault, Quesnel, Taviel, and many others. But General Loison and
another, who shall be nameless, were so lost to all generous senti-
ments as to become the accusers of a man who had loaded them with
favours and honours : that other, whose base perfidy to Junot was
without cause, without even the slightest pretext, and who professed
gratitude to him for the gift of a considerable sum of money, which
now constitutes the greater part of his fortune. He materially in-
jured not Junot only, but also Marshal Ney, in Ma eena's campaign,
when I was present and detected his intrigues.

When arranging my notes relative to this campaign, anxious to
render my narrative succinct, true and impartial, especially as regards
one of the great names of our military history, and unable to reconcile
the various conflicting rumours respecting Marshal Soult and his
desire to possess himself of the Portuguese crown, which had daily
reached me while with the army ; as I always prefer the most direct
course, I called one day on la Marechale ; related to her and also to
that loyal and frank-hearted soldier Colonel Bory de St. Vincent,
attached to the marshal's person, my wish to have the marshal's own
answer to the accusations of Loison, who would have accused his own
mother, if it answered his purpose. The marshal received my request
with more good will than I expected ; but since his accession to the
ministry, he has made a point of refusing all my little demands upon
him. Is it then a title to proscription to be the wife of a soldier of
the devolution and the Empire? I should be the more sorry, as I
will never abandon that title: I am a Frenchwoman, and a French-
woman of that radiant era I will remain, cherishing all its recollec-
tions, adoring and venerating all its glories with increasing ardour,
now that .ione of them survive around me.

" Have the goodness to send me your notes," said the marshal,

"leaving sufficient margin for me to write the answer fco y ■ queries.

Will that suit you ?" I gladly assented ; but Madame Soult objected,
that he might spare both himself and me the trouble, by giving me
the, work of Colonel Napier and General Matthew Dumas, the accu-
racy of which might be entirely depended upon, and I should have

hut to Copy what, was already printed. I accepted the hook, though

not without regret that the marshal's offer had failed of its accom-
plishment.

On my road home I racked my brain to discover whence this
Colonel Napier could come, of whom I had never heard; it was not

264 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

till I arrived and opened the first of the four volumes, which, as a
former comrade the Duchess of Dalinatia had been kind enough to
lend me, that the marvellous truth was explained; he was an Eng.
lishman ! Having been referred to this work for information I made
it a duty to read it attentively. On the principal object of my in-
quiry it was silent, or at least contained but two or three chance
observations respecting the contested question of the Portuguese
royalty. But I was not a little astonished to find in the work to
which I had been thus officially referred, an account of the campaign
written in a spirit most inimical to the French, and especially to
Junot. That campaign, the glory of which is established and recog
nised not only throughout Europe, but across the Atlantic, established
and acknowledged too by the rage of our enemies, who granted an
inquiry as their only recompense to Sir Arthur Wellesley. General
Thiebault, the chief of Junot's staff, and son of that friend of the great
Frederic who has left us so admirable a work upon the miraculous
days of Prussia's exaltation, knows more, I imagine, of this expedition
and of its commander than M. Napier ; and when such a n.cn as
Thiebault, with a heart truly French, a noble and elevated mind, and
talents as remarkable in the cabinet as was his valour in the field,
preserved his attachment and esteem for his former commander, now
laid in the dust, it may well be believed that the man who w-as
worthy of such attachment and of the affections of all who belonged
to him, was not what Colonel Napier has represented him.

If any thing can now-a-days excite surprise, it might be to find
emanating from the national archives of the French minister of war,
a book written by an Englishman in the English service, and animated
by all the national animosity which has so constantly subsisted be-
tween the two countries. And one of our most distinguished generals
translated this precious work ! I flatter myself that in his younger
davs General Matthew Dumas would have recoiled from such an
undertaking ; but he is in the case which must happen to us all — he
is growing old.

In 1814, the Count d'Artois uttered the memorable words, "lam
only one additional Frenchman" An expression wrorthy of Bayard
or of Francis the First. But at the exhibition of National Industry,
in 1827, in that sanctuary where the true strength, prosperity and
vitality of the state reside, Charles X., then many years older, replied
with a smile to one of our most skilful armourers, who presented him
with a new gun, "7" thank you, but I seldom use any but English
arms.'1'' And further on when a Lyons shawl-manufacturer was dis-
playing to him some admirable specimens, " Oh ! our neighbours fai

fetes at fontainebleau. 265

surpass us. We cannot contend with them." "I have the honour to
beg your Majesty's pardon, Sire," answered the manufacturer with
spirit, deeply sensible to this unjust reproach: "for more than six
years past, every factor) in Lyons sends to England live hundred
thousand francs' worth of these very manufactures which your Majesty
considers so inferior to the English."

This incident may serve to show that there was a time when the
court weathercock pointed north-west, and when courtiers were
obliged to sing God save the King, and even Rule Britannia; it was
natural enough that canticles to the supremacy of England should
then be found in the library of the war minister : but that matters
should remain the same after the Revolution of 1830, is a little too
bad.

When Junot had once accepted the command, he resolved to
justify the Emperor's confidence; and although his health was se-
riously impaired, he did not suffer indisposition to interfere with the
most minute attention to all the concerns of his army. But, with
Napoleon, conquest was indispensable. He had yet experienced no
reverse, nor would he endure that his lieutenants should : and glorious
as was the convention of Cintra, admirable as must have been that
character which could obtain it from the esteem of an enemy of five
times his own strength, this single act in which England ever treated
with the Empire, was not sufficient; victory alone could satisfy
Napoleon. With conscripts only; without supplies either of arms
or money, still he must have victor) : nor can I blame him, rigid a>
was the requisition; it was upon such principles he made the world
his Empire.

The fetes in celebration of the King of Westphalia's marriage still
continued, and the court of Fontainebleau was more brilliant than
during the reign of Louis XIV.; each successive day exceeding the
past in magnificence. I was patiently awaiting my confinement at
Raincy, when I received an invitation, or rather an order, to repair to
Fontainebleau tor a few days. I obeyed; but not choosing to lie an
inmate of the chateau, and to be. heard screaming in the night in case

of unexpected accidents, I hired a small In use close adjoining, and

went everyday to the palace in a sedan-chair; although Duroohad
told me in confidence that the Emperor, whom I certainly feared the

most, was about to sel OUl on a journey.

No language can convey a clear idea of the magnificence, the
magical luxury, which now surrounded the Emperor; the diamonds
jewels. . Mnd flower 8, thai gave splendour to his fetes; the loves and
jovs that spread enchantment around, and the intrigues which thu

206 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

actors in them fancied quite impenetrable, whereas they were perhaps
even more easily discernible than at the Tuileries. When the morn
Lngs were fine, anfl in October and November of that year the weathei
was superb, we went out hunting and breakfasted in the forest, The
ladies wore a uniform of chamois cashmere, with collars and trim-
mings of green cloth, embroidered with silver, and a hat of blacK
velvet, with a large plume of white feathers. Nothing could be more
exhilarating than the sight of seven or eight open carriages whirling
rapidly through the alleys of that magnificent forest, filled with ladies
in this elegant costume, their waving plumes blending narmoniously
with the autumnal foliage; the Emperor and his numerous suite
darting like a flight of arrows past them, in pursuit of a stag, which
exhibiting at one moment its proud antlers from the summit of a
mossy rock, in the next was flying with the fleetness of the wind to
escape from its persecutors. The gentlemen's hunting uniform was
of green cloth, turned up with amaranth velvet, and laced a la Bran
denbourg on the breast and pockets with gold and silver ; it was gay,
but 1 preferred the more unpretending shooting-uniform.

Much gossip was at this time passing at Fontainebleau, respecting
both the" present and the future, but all in whispers. The present
was the very important subject of the Emperor's new amours. The
beautiful Genoese then at the acme of favour, had demanded to be
presented at court, which no other favourite had ever dared to think
of; and the Emperor, though usually very little susceptible of in-
fluence from such connexions, had on this occasion the weakness to
accede. But the future presented a far more serious consideration, in
the Imperial divorce, which occupied all minds, and was the subject
of all our conversation in the retirement of our own apartments. The
designated heir of the empire was no more ; and, though he had left
a brother, Napoleon's hopes did not rest equally on him. He
became thoughtful and abstracted ; and would often ride into the
forest in the morning, attended only by Jardin (his favourite pricker,
who was much devoted to him), probably that he might meditate
undisturbed upon the course he should adopt.

'; ITow can you suffer the Emperor to ride almost alone in that
forest?" said I one day to Duroc; "for once it would be immaterial,
but if it is known to be habitual, he may be watched for, and how
easily may a mischance occur." — " I can not hinder his going out
unaccompanied," replied Duroc. " I have several times remonstrated,
but he will not listen. I am however informed the moment he leaves
the palace, and do my best to watch over his safety. But the forest
is large, and there is no ascertaining what direction he may choose, so

THE EMPEROR'S AMOURS. 267

that these solitary rides often cause me uneasiness." This may serve
as an answer to the assertions in some biographies as to the extreme
vigilance with which it was the Emperor's pleasure to be uniformly
guarded. He had always the greatest repugnance to attendance;
even in seasons of real danger, I have seen him going out continually
accompanied by Bourrienne, Junot, or Rapp, never more than one at
a time. If such was his antipathy to attendance in France, how great
must have been his annoyance, when at St. Helena, English sentinels
were instructed to escort him wherever he went.

The Princess Pauline and the Grand Duchess of Berg were pre-
eminent in the numerous train of young and pretty women who that
year adorned the Imperial court at Fontainebleau. Notwithstanding
Napoleon's recent attachment to Madame G . . . . , he had also a great
fancy for Madame B . . . . , who, as a lady in waiting on one of the
Princesses, was of all the hunting-parties, and frequently breakfasted
at the rendezvous. I know the whole of that affair, and can assert, in
opposition to the reports of scandal, that the Emperor never suc-
ceeded ; though so powerful was the impression made upon him that
he committed it to writing, a circumstance very rare with him in his
transient entanglements, for such this would have been, had not Ma-
dame B. . . . had the good sense to withstand the infatuation of that
halo of glory, that cloud of dazzling light which surrounded Napo-
leon ; for this purpose her heart must have been pre-engaged, neither
reason nor virtue would otherwise be proof against such resistless
fascinations.

The Empress, in spite of all her efforts to appear gay and happy,
was overpowered with melancholy. The rumours of a divorce seemed
to acquire more and more consistency, and were all repeated to her ;
the frequent exchange, of couriers between Paris and Petersburg
inspired a fear that, the consummation of the peace of Tilsit might bo
sought in a family alliance between the new friends. And to com-
plete her uneasiness upon the subject, she dared not mention it to the
Emperor. Once when I had been paying my respects to her, she did
me the honour to say to me, "Madame Junot, they will never be
satisfied till they have driven me from the throne of Franc< — -they
are inveterate against me." She meant the Emperor's family, Ami
in fact her two sisters-in-law, Jerome, and all to whom, as they said,
the glory of the empire was dear, desired a separation. The Emperor
himself said nothing, but his silence was perhaps more alarming to his
unfortunate consort than words would have been. The death of the

young Prince of Holland had evidently overthrown all his projects.

The Empress burst into tears as she contemplated a l< ck of the child's

268 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

beautiful vol low hair, which she had put under a glass on a ground of
black velvet. The poor mother's despair no language can express:
that Queen Hortense still lives is satisfactory evidence that grief does
not kill. But the sufferings of the Empress were scarcely less severe ;
her maternal affliction was enhanced by incessantly renewed anxieties
about the divorce.

As I had the highest esteem and tenderest friendship for Duroc,
whose memory is enshrined in my heart next to that of my brother,
I shall not be suspected of injustice in blaming him for the revenge he
took upon the Empress's former opposition to his intended marriage.
One day, as the Empress entered the throne-room, her mournful and
disconsolate looks seeming to be bidding adieu to every object on
which they turned, I asked Duroc, "How can you avoid pitying her?"
He looked at me for some time, as if to reproach my observation ;
then taking me by the hand, directed my attention to the extremity of
the saloon where a lady was seated, another stand. l<^ by her side,
" Look there," whispered he ; " that one is heaven — the other is hell
Whose doing is that 1 Is it not hers 1 No, no ! I have no compas
sion for her!" I have adverted to Duroc's sentiments because, with
his prodigious influence over the Emperor, he had much power of
befriending the Empress ; his hostility I am certain was not active ;
but there are circumstances in which silence is the most deadly injury.

We were informed one morning that the Emperor had set out at
four o'clock on a journey, the object and destination of which were
alike impenetrable. Yet Italy was the only direction he could have
taken : and in fact the principal, though latent motive of this journey
was a reconciliation with Lucien. The Emperor was at length con-
vinced, or rather he had never doubted, that of all his brothers, Lucien
alone could understand and act in concert with him. But Lucien was
far from condescending, and the Emperor, who knew his character,
resolved himself to see and converse with him ; the brothers conse-
quently gave each other the meeting at Mantua. Lucien arrived
about nine at night in a travelling carriage with M. Boyer, cousin-
german of his first wife, and the Count de Chatillon, a friend who
resided with him. " Do not put up, I shall probably return to-night !"
said Lucien, as he alighted to join his brother.

I have heard the particulars of this extraordinary interview from
two quarters, both in perfect accordance. Napoleon was walking in
a long gallery with Prince Eugene, Murat, and Marshal Duroc ; he
advanced to meet his brother, and held out his hand with every
appearance of cordiality. Lucien was affected. lie had not seen the
Emperor since the day of Austerlitz ; and far from being jealous of

NAPOLEON AND LUCIEN. 269

the resplendent blaze of his brother's glory, as it now passed before
his mental vision, his noble heart heaved with tumultuous joy. For
some moments he was incapable of speaking; at length having ex-
pressed to Napoleon his pleasure in this meeting, the Emperor made
a signal and the rest of the party withdrew. " Well ! Lueien," said
Napoleon, " what are your projects 1 Will you at last go hand in
hand with me V Lueien regarded him with astonishment ; for
inquiries into his projects, addressed to him who never indulged
in any, appeared most strange. " I form no projects," replied he at
length. " As for going hand in hand with your Majesty, what am I
to understand by it?"

An immense map of Europe lay rolled up on a table before them ;
the Emperor seized it by one end, and throwing it open with a grace-
ful action, said to Lueien, " Choose any kingdom you please, and
I pledge you my word, as a brother and an Emperor, to give it you,
and to maintain you in it . . . for I now ride over the head of every
King in Europe. Do you not understand me ?"* He stopped and
looked expressively at Lueien: ;' Lueien, you may share with me that,
sway which I exercise over inferior minds ; you have only to pursue
the course I shall open to you for the establishment and maintenance
of my system, the happiest and most magnificent ever conceived by
man ; but to ensure its execution 1 must be seconded, and I can only
be seconded by my own family; of all my brothers only yourself and
Joseph, can efficiently serve me. Louis is an obstinate fool, and
Jerome a mere child without capacity. . . .My hopes then rest chiefly
on you, will you realize them'?" "Before this explanation is carried
further," answered Lueien, "I ought to advertise you that I am not
changed; my principles are still the same as in 1799 and 1803.
What 1 was in my curule chair on the 18th Brumaire, I am at this
moment beside the Emperor Napoleon. Now, brother, it is for you
to consider whether you will proceed."

"You talk absurdly," said Napoleon, shrugging his shoulders:
"new times should give a new direction to our ideas. You have
chosen a proper- opportunity truly, to come here ami rave of youi
Utopian republic! You must, embrace my system, I tell you; fol
low i, iv path, and to-morrow 1 make you the chief of a great people,
I will acknowledge your wife as my sister: I will crown her as well
11^ you. I will make you the greater man In Europe, next to myself,

* Lueien might well net-, understand his brother's boast ; inasmuch as the
most prominent of all the European powers (England) sternly and .-• ccessfully
defie<l him. — Editor.

270 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

and I restore you my entire friendship, my brother," added he, lower-
ing the emphatic tone in which he had just uttered the preceding

sentences, to that soft and caressing accent I have never heard but
from his lips, and which makes the heart vibrate to its mellow and
powerful chords. This man was altogether seducing. Lucien loved
him ; he started as he list-ened, and grew pale. " I do not sell myself,"
said he in an agitated voice. " Hear me, my brother, listen to me,
for this is an important hour to both of us. I will never be your pre-
fect. If you give me a kingdom, I must rule it according to my own
notions, and above all, in conformity with its wants. The people
whose chief I may be, shall ha~e no cause to execrate my name.
They shall be happy and respected ; not slaves, as the Tuscans and all
the Italians are. You yourself cannot desire to find in your brother a
pliant sycophant, who for a few soft words would sell you the blood
of his children ; for a people is after all but one large family, whose
governor will be held responsible by the King of Kings for the welfare
of all its members."

The Emperor frowned, and his whole aspect proclaimed extreme
dissatisfaction. "Why then come to me?" said he at last angrily;
"for if you are obstinate, so am I, and you know it; at least as obsti-
nate as you can be. Humph ! Republic ! You are no more thinking
of that than I am; and besides, what should you desire it for1? You
are like Joseph, who bethought himself the other day of writing me
an inconceivable letter, coolly desiring I would allow him to enter
upon kingly duties. Truly nothing more would be wanting than the
re-establishment of the papal tribute." And shrugging his shoulders
he smiled contemptuously. " And why not," said Lucien, " if it con-
duced to the national interests? It is an absurdity I grant; but if it
was beneficial to Naples, Joseph would be quite right in insisting
upon it."

A variety of emotions rapidly succeeded each other on Napoleon's
countenance. He paced the gallery with a hurried step, repeating in
an accent that evinced strong internal perturbation, "Always the
same ! Always the same !" Then turning suddenly to his brother
and stamping on the marble floor, he exclaimed with a thundering
voice, " But once more, sir, why then did you come to meet me ?
Why these endless contentions ? You ought to obey me as your
father, the head of your family ; and by heaven you shall do as 1
please." Lucien was now growing warm, and all the discretion he
had summoned to his aid, was beginning to evaporate. " I am no
subject of yours," cried he in his turn, "and if you think to impose
your iron yoke upon me you are mistaken ; never will t bow mr

LUCIEX AND NAPOLEON" 271

head to it ; and remember — hearken to my words, remembei what I
once told you at Malmaison."

A long, alarming, almost sinister silence, succeeded this burst of
generous indignation. The two brothers faced each other, and were
separated only by the table on which lay that Europe, the sport of
Napoleon's infatuated ambition. He was very pale, his lips com-
pressed, the almost livid complexion of his cheeks revealing the
tempest within, and his eyes darting glances of fury upon Lucien,
whose noble countenance must have shown to great advantage in this
stormy interview, which was to decide his future fate; nor his alone,
but perhaps that of Europe, for who shall conjecture what might have
happened had this really superior man been King of Spain, of Prussia,
or of Poland 1

The Emperor was the first to break silence : he had mastered his
passion, and addressed his brother with calmness : — " You will reflect
on all that I have told you, Lucien; night brings counsel. To-morrow
T hope to find you more reasonable as to the interests of Europe at
least, if not your own. Good-bye, and a good night to you, my
brother." He held out his hand : Lucien whose heart was susceptible
to every kindly impression, and whose reflections at that moment
were of a nature powerfully to awaken them, took his brother's offered
hand, and affectionately grasped it between both of his as he reiterated,
"Good-bye, and a good night to you, my brother. Adieu." "Till
to-morrow !" said the Emperor. Lucien shook his head, and would
have spoken but was unable; then opening the door, he rushed from
the apartment, reascended the carriage, where his friends awaited him,
and immediately quitted Mantua.

The brothers met no more till the hour of Napoleon's adversity.

The scene at Malmaison, to which Lucien alluded in this inter-
view, took place shortly before the Empire was proclaimed, when
Napoleon's intentions were already known to his family, and disap-
pointment on finding himself deceived in his calculations of making
Lucien one of his most powerful lieutenants, served to widen the
breach which the marriage of the latter had produced. Lucien, who
had hoped to see the happy days of the forum restored, and could
now only look for those of Augustus, was vehement in his reproaches;
accused the EmperoT of being faithless to him, and of violating his
word; in short, the discussion ended in an open quarrel.

'•You arc determined to destroy the Republic!" exclaimed the
enraged Lucien. " Well, assassinate her then; mount your throne
over her murdered remains, and those of her children bul mark
well what one of those children predicts: This empire w itch you are

272 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

erecting by force, and will maintain by violence, will be overthrown
by violence and force, and you yourself will be crushed, thus !" and
seizing a screen from the mantelpiece, he crushed it impetuously in
his hand which trembled with rage. Then, as if still more distinctly
to mark his resentment, he took out his watch, dashed it on the
ground, stamped upon it with the heel of his boot, repeating: "Yes —
crushed, ground to powder — thus !"

CHAPTER XXVII.

Imperial magnificence — The Grand Duchess of Berg — Queen Hortense — Com-
motions in Spain — Balls given by Princess Caroline and her sister — The
romantic school in literature — Napoleon as President of the Institute at St.
Cloud — Discussion between Cardinal Maury and the Emperor — Napoleon's
opinion of the morals of the present age compared with those of former
times — His remarks on the doctrine of phrenology.

The numerous memoirs which detail the magnificence of Marly and
Versailles convey no idea of the splendour which surrounded Na-
poleon's court during the winter of 1808. One of its greatest
attractions, and that which no other court in Europe could equal, was
the collection of beautiful women by whom it was graced. This
may easily be accounted for when it is recollected that almost all the
French generals and the superior officers of the Imperial Guard had
married for love, either in France or in other countries, during their
campaigns. I have already spoken of the elegance which embellished
the Consular court ; but we have now arrived at the period of the
empire, when that elegance was doubled, nay tripled, in refinement
and magnificence. The Emperor's desire was that his court should
be brilliant ; and this wish, being agreeable to every one's taste, was
implicit! v fulfilled. The revolutionary law which prohibited era-
broidered coats was now forgotten, and the gentlemen rivalled the
ladies in the richness of their dress and the splendour of their jewels.
1 well recollect the truly fantastic appearance of the sulle des Mare-
chaux on the night of a grand concert, when it was lined on either
side by three rows of ladies, radiant in youth and beauty, and all
covered with flowers, jewels, and waving plumes. Behind the ladies
were ranged the officers of the Imperial household, and lastly the
generals, the senators, the counsellors of state, and the foreign
ministers, all clothed in rich costumes and wearing on their breasts

COMMOTIONS IN SPAIN. 278

♦he decorations and orders which Europe offered us on bended knee.
At the top of the hall sat the Emperor with the Empress, his brothers,
sisters, and sisters-in-law. From that point, he, with his eagle glance,
surveyed the plumed and glittering circle.

Paris was unusually brilliant this winter ; all the Princes of the
confederation of the Rhine ; all Germany, Russia, Austria, Poland,
Italy, Denmark, and Spain ; in a word all Europe, with the single
exception of England, had sent to Paris the elite of their courts, to
pay their respects to the Emperor, and to fill up the magnificent
retinue which followed him on a grand presentation-day from the
Salle du Trone to the play in the Tuileries.

The Grand Duchess of Berg was the youngest and prettiest of
the Princesses of the Imperial family. The Princess Borghese.
languishing and seemingly feeble, never produced so great an effect
as her sister in a ball-room. Besides, the Grand Duchess danced,
while the Princess Borghese remained fixed to her sofa like an idol,
of which, to say the truth, she loved to act the part. The Princess
Caroline was the planet around which all the youth of the court used
to be grouped, without, however, encroaching upon the gentle and
gracious empire of Queen Hortense, who, beloved by all, and adored
by those more immediately connected with her, seemed to have
formed the subject of M. de la Maisonfort's lively couplet:

A chacun elle voulait plaire,
Elle plaisait,
Chacun l'aimait, <fec.

The affairs of Spain now began to assume a troubled aspect. The
thunder which roared over the beauteous plains of Aranjuez resounded
through the Tuileries. Tin; Emperor despatched the, Grand Duke
of Berg to take the command of the troops assembled on the frontiers
of Spain.

This departure was by no means agreeable to the Duke. He had
contracted habits of gallantry which he was foolii enough to believe
wore those of a man of fashion, while his connexions were really of
the lowest ami most, vulgar kind. He moreover made himself an
object of ridicule by his affected manners ami dress, his curls, his
feathers, his furs, ami all the wardrobe of a strolling player. 'Hie
Grand Duke, and the Princess Caroline, then occupied the Palais de
I'Elysee. At the mee of the marriage of the King of Westphalia,

the Prince88 Caroline bad been iii the habit of giving entertainments
on a most, magnificent scale. The winter which succeeded the

27-4 NAPOLEON, EIS COURT AND FAMILY.

marriage was distinguished by less brilliant, though equally agreeable
pleasures.

The Princesses received orders from the Emperor that each
severally should give a ball once every week, not that Napoleon was
himself fond of dancing, but he liked to see others take part in the
amusement. These assemblies were usually composed of from a
hundred and fifty to two hundred visitors; and the ladies, whc
generally numbered about fifty, were almost all young and handsome,
and attired with elegance and magnificence. Never, at the balls of
the Ely see or at those given by Queen Hortense was an ill-humoured
countenance to be seen, except perhaps when one of the ladies suffered
under the affliction of a corn or a tight pair of shoes; for be it kiown
that these are tortures to which every fine lady is more or less
subjected. The Princess Caroline gave her balls on Fridays, Queen
Hortense on Mondays, and the Princess Pauline on Wednesdays.
The eternal indisposition of Pauline, whether real or pretended,
formed no excuse for evading the Emperor's command. These balls
were truly delightful ' wThat excitement they occasioned ! what business
for the toilet !

The romantic school in literature at this period was in its infancy,
and was not sanctioned by the auspices of the great names now
attached to it. Nevertheless, all the young generation of the reading
portion of society, that is to say, those from the age of twenty tc
thirty, were passionate admirers of that fertile branch of literature,
which opened so many roads to information, and diffused a light over
objects hitherto concealed beneath the shade of prejudices called
rules. Guethe, Schiller, Shakspeare, in short, all the eminent writers
of Germany and England, were translated into French, and they
imparted a powerful weight to the opinions of Rousseau, Voltaire,
Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, and Andre Chenier. Then came a tor-
rent of new literary works, many of them monstrosities, it is true,
but which nevertheless served to open a path to those men of real
genius, whose names will be handed down with honour to posterity.
At the head of thes% may be placed Victor Hugo and his friend Alph
de Lamartine.

The succession of reminiscences which 1 have just now called up,
present to me a multitude of details in which Napoleon is concerned,
and which bear reference to literary subjects. Among these recollec-
tions, there is one in particular which forcibly strikes me, on account
of its connexion with many questions now agitated. It is an evening
I spent at St. Cloud, on which occasion Napoleon may be said to
have played the part of President of the Institute; for he spoke fr

NAPOLEON AND CARDINAL MAURY. 275

upwards of three hours on literature, and the various revolutions it
had undergone. Napoleon was quite a lover of the romantic school,
and Ossian was his favourite poet.

The evening I have alluded to was a Sunday, and there was a
party at Saint-Cloud. AH the. Emperor's favourite savans were pre-
sent, and many other individuals whose talent and information
eminently qualified them to bear a brilliant part in conversation.
Among the company were M. Rcederer, M. de la Place, Monge, and
Cardinal Maury. M. Chaptal had brought with him the first plates
of his Voyage d'Egypte. M. de Lacepede was also one of the
company, and I have some recollection that Cuvier was there too.
The object of this extraordinary convocation of talent was the dis-
cussion of some questions relating to chemistry and natural philosophy,
respecting which some of our correspondents in Germany had sent
reports. These reports referred particularly to the discoveries made
in Bavaria by Baron d'Aretin. After the Emperor had heard the
opinions of Berthollet and other members of the Institute, the con-
versation changed from the scientific subjects, to which attention had
been first directed, and took a very curious turn. When I entered
the saloon, the Emperor was speaking with great warmth ; he was
addressing himself to Cardinal Maury, who was always very much
disposed to controversy, and who was not more courteous to the
Emperor than he was to M. Brockhausen, the Prussian ambassador,
lo whom he once said, " Monsieur, the fact is, Racine cannot be
understood in Prussia for a century to come." His abruptness of
manner and loud thundering voice always made me dread a literary
or political discussion in which he took part, notwithstanding his
talent for conversation.

The discussion had fallen, I cannot tell how, on the moral cor
ruption of the French language. Napoleon by instinct could speak
correctly on such a subject, but he was not competent to maintain
an argument with a man like the Cardinal. Every voice was hushed
except those of the two interlocutors, and not, a word that fell from
either of them was lost. Napoleon maintained that the change which
had taken place in our language was an inevitable consequence of the
influence of morals. The Cardinal replied that the question was not
to determine the effect produced, but to inquire into the causes which
had led to that effect. " Probity, virtue, filial respect," said he,"in
short all that forms the basis of every well-constructed social edifice
has been destroyed, never to be recovered ; and I am of opinion that
this destruction has exercised a powerful influence on the corruption
of language, for I presume thai, your Majesty doe- not regard thd

276 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

change that has taken place, as a defeat tending merely to strip the
language of its primitive and original character 1"

This question seemed to be a sort of challenge addressed to the
Roi legi&hteur. Napoleon Looked steadfastly at the Cardinal, and
with an expression which I cannot describe, exclaimed, "Surely,
Cardinal, you do not imagine that I, the head of a great Empire, who
am daily doomed to observe the most revolting examples of human
turpitude, would think of defending the morals of the present age.
There exist now, as there always have existed, corrupters and cor-
ruption, vice and atheism. We see religion forgotten by its ministers,
and laws observed from fear, and not from respect. All this is the
result of the subversion of order that has so long prevailed. Cardinal,"
he added with a smile, " 1 would have you be less severe upon the
present generation. For my part, I think that people in a certain
class are better now than they were a hundred, ay, even fifty, or five-
and-twenty years ago." Here he walked about the room, taking
several pinches of snuff.

" Will your Majesty permit me to observe," resumed the Cardi-
nal, " that two classes at least, the citizens and the peasantry, are
very different, with respect to purity of morals, from what they were
fifty years ago, and those classes make up the bulk of the population."
" You are wrong, Cardinal, you are wrong," observed the Emperor
sharply. "But what do you mean when you talk of purity of morals
in the class of citizens ? Do you allude to the period when Madame
du Barry was demoiselle de boutique V — " Or, perhaps," said Monge,
" the Cardinal alludes to the time when the citizens went to mass and
the peasantry paid tithes." I shall never forget the glance which
Napoleon cast upon Monge at this moment — it was as eloquent as a
whole speech. Monge, who, like Volney, Dolomieu, and other savans
of the day, was a decided atheist, had mistaken the Emperor's drift,
and had made a remark that was any thing but appropriate. He
ought not to have forgotten the sharp remonstrance he received from
the Emperor for the indecorous bon-mot which fell from him in refer
ence to the dispute between the Cure of Saint-Roch and the per
formers of the opera, on the occasion of the death of Mademoiselle
Chameroy. " After all" said Monge, " it is but a quarrel between
actor and actor.'1'' Napoleon was offended at Monge's levity. His
object was to restore moral and useful institutions, in short all the
good which preceding events had subverted. For the furtherance of
these views he naturally directed his attention to religion. lie ere-
ated piicsts but not a clergy, and he said, " 1 restore priests, in ordei

NAPOLfiON AND CARDINAL MAURY. 277

that they may teach the word of God, and not cause it to be for-
gotten."

Monge's observation, on the subject of the tithes, greatly dis
pleased Napoleon, and turning towards Cardinal Maury, he said,
" Well, Cardinal, if you please we will re-establish tithes for this
night only, and they shall be paid by those who talk too hastily." In
justice to Napoleon I must add, that though he occasionally expressed
his disapproval of the opinions entertained by Monge on certain
points, yet he sincerely loved and esteemed that celebrated man.

The reader has seen how the scientific and literary conversation
of the soiree at St. Cloud insensibly became political. The little
storm which the remark of Monge had produced suddenly interrupted
it, and for several minutes nothing was heard in the salon bleu but
the voice of the Empress, who was conversing in a low tone with
some of the ladies, and footsteps of the Emperor, who paced up and
down taking his eternal pinches of snuff. At length he suddenly
turned to the Cardinal, and said, with an inexplicable mixture of
severity and raillery, " You maintain, Cardinal, that the morals of
the people have become more corrupt during the last fifty years, but
if I were to prove to you positively the reverse, what would you
say ?" — " Sire, I should say nothing," replied the Cardinal, resuming
his confidence ; " for to resist proof would be a mark of the most
perverse spirit. If I should be convinced by your Majesty, 1 shall
have nothing to say in reply ; but let us see the proof." — " Well, I
would first ask whether, when you speak of the whole French people,
you mean only the population of Paris ? That population may, it is
true, be counted as ten to one on the day of an insurrection ; but,
apart from that, you must grant that the civic and commercial popu-
lation of the capital amounts only to two hundred thousand individu-
als, men, women, and children. Among this number there may
certainly be exceptions. The old customs that wot hidden beneath
the triple, spider-webs which the Revolution swept away ; the old
customs destroyed in certain families of the Rue Saint-Denis or the
line du Marais, are no doubt regretted by those families, lint, en
iargt the circle around you ; go into the oountry and the neighbour-
hood of the convents, ami ask the village elders how the Benedictines
and the Four Mendicant orders used to teach morality to females."'
— "Man is not infallible," replied the Cardinal, pointedly. "But
look at the benefits which those men diffused around them! What
treasures those very Benedictines, whom your Majesty mentioned,
have bequeathed to literature! Their works will be" — "You are
wandering from the question, Cardinal, yon are wandering widely.

278 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Because the Benedictines wrote VArt de verifier les dates, it does not
follow that they have not done a great many things besides. But 1
will not exclusively attack the monks and priests, in speaking of the
morality of the tiers-etat, at the period we are referring to. I will ask
you how that class raised its voice to defend itself, when attacked by
the noblesse, and were commanded, like slaves, to bow down before
their superiors. Nothing was secure against the wild caprice of a
libertine, and at that time every young nobleman was a libertine of
the most lawless kind. Take for example the Duke de Richelieu,
burning a whole district for an hour's amusement! Who is it says —

'Pour les plaisirs d'un jour, que tout Paris perisse.'

Is it not Jean-Baptiste Rousseau ?" — " No, Sire, it is Gilbert." —
" When did he live ?" — " He was contemporary with La Harpe,
d'Alembert, and Diderot. In that same satire which your Majesty
has just quoted he alludes to La Harpe, in the line which has been
so often repeated : —

' Tomba de chute en chute au trone academique.' "

" Pardieu !" exclaimed the Emperor, " La Harpe may truly be said
to have usurped his reputation. He was a greater atheist than any
of the coterie of Baron d'Holbach, and the encyclopedists. He was
the mean and servile flatterer of Voltaire, and he afterwards made
abjurations the most absurd and contemptible, for they were not the
result of conviction. Did you know him ?" The Cardinal replied
in the affirmative ; and being an experienced courtier, he began to
pronounce a sort of funeral oration on La Harpe, which was charac-
terised by any thing but Christian charity. I could not help smiling,
for in his Cours de Litterature, La Harpe speaks in high terms of the
panegyrics of Cardinal Maury, when, being only an abbe, he delivered
:hem on Saint-Louis and Saint-Vincent de Paul before the King. The
Cardinal would certainly have defended La Harpe against any other
than the Emperor. But he had already tenu tete a Napoleon, to
quote the phrase which he himself always employed, when he dis
puted with the Emperor an inch of ground on any question whatever
He thought he had done enough for one evening.

The conversation was kept up with spirit. The Emperor was in
one of his most talkative humours. After this long digression, the
scientific subjects, for the discussion of which the party had been
assembled, were again touched upon. Incompetent as I was to speak
on such learned topics, I was obliged to answer a questkn put to ma

NAPOLEON ON PHRENO ,OGY. 279

by the Emperor respecting M. de Fenaigle, the professor of mnemo-
nics. J had repeated to the Empress a number of absurd thing-j
which I had heard from Fenaigle, whom Napoleon did not like. As
to Dr. Gall, he despised him, and had no faith in his system. He
was just then beginning in France to acquire the great reputation
which he has left behind him. I had received Dr. Gall on his arrival
in France; for, as the wife of the governor of Paris, I thought it my
duty to show attention to a man who was reputed to have made great
and useful discoveries in science. One day, when he was dining at
my house, I requested him to examine the head of my little son, who
was then six weeks old. The child was brought in, his cap was taken
off', and the doctor, after an attentive examination of his little head,
said, in a solemn tone, " This child will be a great mathematician."
This prediction has certainly not been verified. My eldest son, on
the contrary, possesses a brilliant and poetic imagination. It is pos
sihle that he might have been a mathematician had he been forced to
that study ; but certainly the natural bent of his mind would never
have led him to calculations and the solution of problems. Monge
and the Cardinal, knowing my intimacy with Dr. Gall, asked me
some questions respecting him. I was aware of the Emperor's opin-
ion of the doctor and his system, and therefore I was not surprised
when, turning to me, he said, in a tone of disapproval, "So, Madame
Junot, you patronise Dr. Gall. Well, you are gouvernante of Paris,
— and I suppose you must show much attention to men of science, even
though they be fools. And what has the doctor told you ?" 1 knew
by experience that the way to deal with the Emperor was never to
appear intimidated, but to answer his questions with confidence ami
presence of mind. I told him the result of Dr. Gall's examination
of my son's organs. — " Ah ! he, said that, did he ? Then we will not
make my godson a bishop, nor even a cardinal, (here lie cast a glance
at Cardinal Maury,) but he shall he a good artillery or engineer
officer. A man like Dr. Gall is good for something al least. I think
I -hall establish for him a professor's chair, bo that he maj teach his
system to all the accoucheurs and sages femmes of Paris. It may
then be ascertained, as BOOH as a child conies into the world, what he
is destined to he; and if he should have the organs of murder or
theft very strongly marked, he may be immediately drowned, as the
Greeks used to drown the crooked-legged and the hunchbacked."
The Emperor considered the system of Dr. Gall as destructive of al.
order and of all law. Soon after the doctor's return from Germany,
he inquired of the members of the Institute if there was nol one
among them sufficiently courageous to answer the foolish doctrine of
Dr. Gall.

280 NAPOLEON. HIS COUitT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Die Emperor's family — Negotiations between Napoleon and Lucien — M. Campi
— His mission to Canino — Madame Lucien Bonaparte — The Duchy of Parma
and the throne of Naples — Lucien's magnanimous conduct — His daughter
Charlotte — Her projected marriage with Ferdinand VII. — Her departure*
for Spain countermanded — Affairs of Spain — M. Talleyrand.

The interior of the Emperor's family presented a curious pictve.
There were circumstances connected with it, which, though concealed
from the world, had a strong influence on important public questions,
as well as upon private interests. This was the case, fur instance, on
the occasion of the long negotiations which passed between the Em-
peror and his brother Lucien, from the year 1807 to 1809. About
this time the Emperor wished to establish universal monarchy
through the medium of the members of his family, and, notwith-
standing the scenes which had occurred at Mantua, a new chance
seemed now to offer itself of a reconciliation between the two
brothers. The pretence for opening this new negotiation was the
demand made by the Prince of the Asturias to Napoleon, for espous-
ing a female of his family. The Emperor was perfectly convinced
that Lucien would not probably be inclined to give or rather to sac-
rifice his daughter, by consenting to her marriage with a man who
had acted a most unnatural part towards his father and mother. He
therefore saw the necessity of managing the business skilfully, and he
accordingly engaged M. Campi to be the bearer of the propositions
to Canino, where Lucien then resided. M. Campi was a devoted
friend of the Bonaparte family. He was a Corsican, and his talents
were conspicuous enough to justify Napoleon's choice, without refer-
ence to favour or family connexions. When Lucien was minister of
the interior he had employed M. Campi as his private secretary, and
he entertained a high opinion of him.

The Emperor had two subjects equally difficult and delicate to
propose to Lucien. The first was, the marriage of Charlotte Bona-
parte with the Prince of the Asturias. In this affair, the Emperor
behaved with a degree of duplicity which cannot be excused. It is
evident that at that very moment he was revolving in his mind a plan

MADAME LUCIEN BONAPARTE. 281

with regard to Ferdinand, which seemed utterly at variance with his
communication to Lncien. But this has reference to the mysterious
affairs of Spain, to which I shall presently have occasion to call the
attention of the reader. M. Cam pi wTas the bearer of a letter, in-
viting Lucien, on the part of the Emperor, to repair to Paris, in order
to hear and discuss personally a new proposition which would be
made to him : this was, that Lucien should accept the kingdom of
Naples. Joseph was to have another sovereignty, though its name
was not specified ; but Holland being the only one to give away, as
Louis intended soon to renounce his throne, it might be presumed
that the exchange was to be between Naples and the Hague. Howr-
evcr, it was not so : for the throne of Spain was the point to which
the Emperor's views were directed. He wished at the same time to
have Italy at his disposal ; and Lucien, whose courage, both moral
and physical, he well knew, was the man suited to his purpose. On
this occasion Napoleon proved how a determination once formed in
his mind, became stronger instead of weaker by time. He had said
once in the council of state, " I never will acknowledge the wife of my
'brother Lucien to be my sister-in-law."

These words having been emphatically uttered in the sanctuary
of the laws, he regarded them as a bond formed with himself, and
with the Imperial Majesty of France. But this was, in fact, only
another proof of that despotic power which the Emperor was always
eager to exercise, whenever any member of his family attempted to
become a free agent. In proportion as Lucien's conduct was noble
and honourable, in asserting his political independence, the more was
the Emperor resolved to force him to give up another point, which
he could not relinquish without a sacrifice of honour. Napoleon en-
tertained for Madame Lucien a feeling closely bordering on hatred.
I have frequently heard him speak of her with such bitterness, that
Josephine, who certainly owed no kindness either to Lucien or to any
of his family, one day said to the Emperor, in her soft tone of remon-
strance, •• Recollect, my dear, that she is a woman."

Thai title to consideration might have sufficed, even had Madame
Lucien not been, as site really was, the type of a Roman matron ; such
a one as we may conceive the mothers and wives of the celebrated
Romans to have been. She lived in a style of magnificence which

accorded with her husband's station; but, seldom stirred from her

home, where -.lH- was Burrounded by a numerous family, which formed
a sufficient defence against the tongue of slander. Her conduct \\:is
irreproachable, and she rendered Lucien completely happy. Like
him she possessed -i taste for literature, and her society served to

282 NAPOLEON, HIS CC UliT AND FAM ILY.

alleviate the chagrin and irritation which occasionally resulted from
the Emperor's treatment of his brother. Indeed, if it were true, aa
the Emperor used to say, that Lucien had contracted this union only
to vex him, he at all events found in it a source of happiness which
possibly might not have resulted from a marriage concluded undei
more favourable auspices.

Napoleon instructed M. Campi to convey to his brother the in-
\ estiture of the duchy of Parma ; but it was not for Lucien, but foi
his wife alone. As to Lucien, he was to be King of Naples. Ma-
dame Lucien was to proceed from Rome to Parma in quality of
Duchess, taking with her two of her children, that is to say, two of
her daughters, for she was not to take either of her sons. When
once beyond the walls of Rome, it was Napoleon's wish that she
should be separated from Lucien as completely and finally as death
could have separated her. On condition of her making this sacrifice,
the Emperor was willing to acknowledge her as his sister-in-law, and
to behave towards her as a kind relation. But she was to break
every tie which attached her to life, and to be separated from all she
held dear!

On receiving Campi's communication, Lucien instantly refused,
not merely the crown of Naples, with permission to be a free agent,
but also the duchy of Parma, which he conceived he could purchase
only by base and dishonourable complaisance. The situation in which
Madame Lucien was placed was totally different to that of her hus
band. What it was his duty to reject, it was hers to comply with.
She had only to follow the path which Fate had traced out for woman !
In short, after a night passed in the most painful reflections, she de-
clared to Lucien, that she had determined to be no obstacle in the
way of his elevation, that she had prepared an answer to that effect,
and was about to send it to the Emperor.

" Where is the letter V said Lucien, with apparent composure.
Madame Lucien gave it to him. He immediately tore it to pieces
and threw it on the ground. Madame Lucien insisted on conciliating
the Emperor, and securing the advantage of her husband and children
at any personal sacrifice to herself. But Lucien was firmly fixed in
his resolution, and it was finally agreed that the Emperor's offers
should be rejected. The carriage designed to convey Madame Lucien
to Parma was in attendance, every thing had been prepared for the
journey ; but all was instantly countermanded. As to the proposed
marriage of Lucien's daughter with the Prince of the Asturias, the
refusal was not so immediate. On the contrary, Lucien directed pre-
parations to be made for her departure to Spain. His daughtei

PROJECTED MARRIAGE OF LUCTE:sr'S DAUGHTER. 283

Charlotte was a beautiful and accomplished girl of fourteen or fifteen
years of age.* Indeed, she would have formed a most desirable
match for any prince in the world, and Ferdinand might have been
most happy in possessing her.

The preparations for her departure were carried on with so much
secrecy that the good people of Rome knew nothing of the matter,
and probably I am now the first to give publicity to the all'air. Ma-
dame Letiers, the wife of the director of the French Academy, was
selected to accompany the young Princess to Spain. Every thing
was ready, when one morning Lucien sent to request that Count de
Chatillon would come and speak to him. The Count, who was an
intimate friend of Lucien Bonaparte, had been reduced by the events
of the Revolution to the necessity of exercising professionally his
talent in the fine arts. This gentleman had followed Lucien in his
banishment to Italy. He resided in his house at Canino, and assisted
in the education of his children. Lucien, on sending for the Count,
unexpectedly directed him to countermand all the preparations made
for Charlotte's departure. u J cannot," said he, "resolve to separate
from my beloved child! and, above all, I will never consent to her
connection with a court, the vice and profligacy of which no one
knows better than I. There is only one man who could protect her
there, and that is Charles IV. ; but though he might have the will, he
possesses not the power. Therefore, it is better that my poor child
be under the protection of her father." Charlotte accordingly re-
mained at home.

Such is the history of the first negotiation for the marriage of
Prince Ferdinand with a relative of Napoleon — a marriage which the
former had solicited. M. Campi returned to France in order to
iv], oil the result of his mission to Napoleon, and this affair con-
tributed not a little to heighten the feeling of animosity which the
Emperor entertained towards Madame Lucien.

A great deal lias been said relative to Napoleon's project of giv-
ing to the surviving members of the Bourbon family a crown in
Europe It would be, perhaps, a difficult question to determine
whethei t.his propet was the result of a sudden or a deliberate deter-
minatior. on his part, lie this as it may, I can assert, without the fear
of contradiction, thai the designs which the Emperor entertained with
regard to Spain did not originate long before the time when Ferdi«
nand wrote him the letter from the Escurial. At that period the
weakness exhibited by the court of Madrid, led him to believe thai it

• She is now tic Princes* Gabrielli.

2S4 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Would be lucre favourable to the interests of Spain that he should
give her a Sovereign, than that she should be governed by an un
principled favourite, a profligate Queen, and an imbecile King. It
has been alleged that M. de Talleyrand powerfully influenced the
Emperor in the part he took after the affairs of Aranjuez. I do not
deny that such may be the fact; but I must remark that Napoleon
was not the man to allow himself to be greatly influenced by any
one. I know, for instance, that M. de Talleyrand advised him to go
to Spain to consummate the work which had been begun by that good
and trusty Castilian, Izquierdo ; but I am inclined to believe that M.
de Talleyrand, with all his finesse, was in this matter rather the in-
strument than the director ; and that, in this Spanish business,
Napoleon outwitted him.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Festivities in Paris — The Grand Duchess of Berg's masquerade — A quadrille of
sixteen ladies — The Tyrolean peasant-girls — Prince Camille Borghese — His
extraordinary disguise — The blue mask — Isabey personating the Emperor —
His large hands — The dance interrupted — Mademoiselle Gu .... and the
Grand Duchess — The new nobility — The Duke de Rovigo — General Rapp —
The salute — The Duchess de Montebello — The Pope's bull and the ass laden
with relics.

Whilst Spain was convulsed by revolutionary disorder, Paris was
enlivened by a succession of brilliant entertainments. Of these, one
of the most remarkable was a masquerade given by the Grand Duch-
ess of Berg. In the course of the evening a quadrille was danced ;
this was really the first one which deserved the name ; for those
introduced at the marriage of the Princess of Baden had none of the
characteristics of a quadrille, except that of being danced by four
couples, dressed in red, green, and blue. The costume which the
Grand Duchess of Berg selected was that of the Tyrolese peasantry,
and her Highness had arranged that the quadrille should be exelu
sively danced by females. We made a party of sixteen Tyrolean
peasant-girls, and we were headed by our bailli. This venerable
personage was represented by Mademoiselle Adelaide de Lagrange.
The Grand Duchess, for some reason or other, did not wish the quad-
rille-dancers to assemble at her residence in the Elysee-Napoleom
She requested 'hat they might meet at my house, and proceed

GRAND DUCHESS'S MASQUERADE. 285

altogether to the Elysee. Her Highness gave orders to this effect to
Despreaux, the director of the court ballets. About nine o'clock 1
had a rehearsal of the quadrille, in the grand gallery of my hotel.
Several of my friends, who were not included in the Grand Duchess's
invitation, came to see the dance, and we were unexpectedly enlivened
by an incident which I will here relate.

It was half-past ten : the moment for our departure to the palace
was approaching. I counted my masks. There were fourteen, the
light number. There were the Countess du Chatel, the Countess
ltegnault de St. Jean d'Angely, the Princess of Wagram (who was
not then married), Madame de Colbert, Mademoiselle de la Vauguyon,
and her sister, the Princess of Beauffremont. Then there was the
Baroness de Montmorenci, and some others whose names I forget.
•I believe the Duchess de Rovigo was one of them. We were engaged
in adjusting our masks, when M. Cavagnari* entered and whispered
me that a lady who was included in the quadrille was waiting in the
next room; but as she had come too late, she wished me to go and
conduct her in. I cast my eyes over the list sent me by the Grand
Duchess. I found my number was complete ; but as the Princess de
Ponte-Corvo, one of the masks, was not in my list, I concluded that
she must be. the lady who had just arrived. I therefore proceeded to
the saloon which formed a sort of ante-room to the gallery. There
I perceived, in the further corner of the apartment, a lady, whose
short and bulky person was so ludicrous, that at first I could not help
starting back with astonishment. Imagine a figure about five feet
some inches in height, but incredibly stout, ami dressed in the.
Tyrolean costume. 1 approached iliis singular apparition; as 1
advanced, I became more and more amazed at the grotesque figun
before me. "Mon Dieu! what an extraordinary person," thought
I to myself. "To whom have I the honour to address myself?" in-
quirer] |.

The, mask answered only by a deep sigh. I now found it im-
possible to contain my laughter. A s ml sigh succeeded much

more profound than the first, and it was breathed with such force as
to blow up the lace, trimming of the mask. Being anxious to ter-
minate this embarrassing sort of conversation, I extended m) hand to
the lady, and proposed to conduct her to the gallery ; when she
suddenly seized me by the waist, and raising her mask, attempted to
me. I screamed, and disengaging myself, flew to the bell, and
Dulled it with all my might. Truly, mj precipitation might well be

• M. Cavagnari wai a confidential domestic of the Duke.

286 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

excused, for I felt a rough beard in contact with my chin. M
Cavagnari entered, and immediately burst into a fit of laughter. The
stout lady laughed with him, and, to say the truth, I laughed too,
though half inclined to be angry; for I now saw before me, the
unmasked face of his Royal Highness the Prince Camille Borghese.
At length I proposed to conduct his Highness to the gallery, where
the ladies were not a little astonished and amused by the extraor-
dinary travestie. It would be difficult to convey an idea of the
burlesque figure he presented, especially when, having removed his
mask, he exhibited his bluish beard, black whiskers, and bushy hair,
some stubborn locks of which escaped from beneath the India muslin
veil. The whimsical effect of all this was heightened by the contrast
of the young and elegant females who were grouped around him, and
whose costume he had precisely imitated. It was alternately amus-
ing and provoking to find our Sosio reflecting us so admirably in
caricature.

It was now time to proceed to the palace, and it was agreed that
the Prince should go with us. We found the Grand Duchess of
Berg waiting to receive us in her private apartment, attended by the
Princess de Ponte-Corvo : both dressed exactly in the same style as
ourselves. Great merriment was excited by the introduction of our
newly-recruited Tyrol ese peasant-girl. We entered the ball-room
headed by our venerable bailli, holding in her hand her little white
staff, and wearing her wig most magisterially. As we were pro-
ceeding from the inner apartment to the gallery, a little mask in blue
ran against me on his way to the closet, where the dominos were
changed. I was pushed aside with so much force, that I almost felt
inclined to be angry. But the little blue mask was no other than the
Emperor !

Napoleon liked to divert himself, as he used to say, in these
saturnalia. He loved to disguise himself completely, and allow
some individual to assume his character. On the evening in question,
Isabey was to personate him. The humour of that celebrated artist
was admirably calculated to enliven a masked ball, while the
Emperor made but a poor figure in such an entertainment. In
personating Napoleon, Isabey found it most difficult to disguise his
hands, which were exceedingly large, while the Emperor's were small
and beautifully formed. With the exception, however, of his hands,
Isabey personated the Emperor to perfection. The masquerade was
kept up with great spirit; the costumes were elegant, and the enter-
tainment was altogether one of the most delightful that had been
given during that winter In the course of the evening a little

MADEMOISELLE GU . . . . T AND THE GRAND DUCHESS. 2S7

incident occurred, which had well nigh interrupted the general good-
humour that prevailed. — Suddenly the cheerful strains of the orchestra
and the gay buzz of conversation were interrupted by the tones of a
loud female voice, which exclaimed in an imperious tone, ': I desire
that she shall instantly quit my house!" This was the voice of the
Grand Duchess herself.

Those who weie connected with the Imperial court at the time,
will recollect that a very pretty girl, named Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t,
had been in the service of the Empress, before the appointment of
Madame Gazani. Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t was a most beautiful
creature, and Queen Hortense, who to every other proof of good
taste joined that of loving to see agreeable faces about her. had been
very kind to Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t. She took the young lady
to the Grand Duchess's ball, where she was to be one of the characters
in a quadrille. Whether the Grand Duchess was really ignorant of
the presence of Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t, until the moment of the
exclamation above cited, or whether she maliciously wished to place
the young lady in a painful situation, I pretend not to describe ; but
certain it is, that she seemed to evince great astonishment at learning
Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t was in the room, and instantly gave vent
to her indignation in the words I have recorded. Poor Mademoiselle
Gu .... t, in tears, declared that the conduct of the Grand Duchess
was most unjust and cruel; and could not be excused, even by the
jealousy of an offended wife. The truth is, it was the love of the
Grand Duchess for the Grand Duke which had given rise to this
angry scene. Mademoiselle Gu .... t had attracted the notice of
his Highness, and that was sin enough to be thus visited by a publio
eensure.

Queen Hortense, however, warmly espoused the cause of the
young lady, and with some success. But it may easily be conceived
that the whole scene had a very ludicrous effect. I might myself
have quarrelled with Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t on the same grounds,
but I restrained my feelings. I consoled myself with the idea that
the Grand Duchess, from the recollection of our early friendship, had
taken up my cause along with her own.

Be this as it may, Mademoiselle <m . . . . t was amply indemni-
fied for the painful situation in which she had been placed. The
Empress took her into her service. However, it is bul jusl to all
parties to mention, that very shortly after the Empress's arrival at
Bayonne, it was found necessary to furnish Mademoiselle Gu . . . . t
with a passport to return to Paris to her mother.

I have not yet spoken of a mosl important ciroumstanoe in tho

288 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

t
political life of the Emperor, viz., the creation of his new nobility.
The institution of the order of the Legion of Honour had already
paved the way for this; but the work was not consummated until
the creation of hereditary titles, with endowments and majorats. It-
was indeed expected that the Emperor would earlier have directed
his attentiou to this matter ; for the creation of the Duchy of Dantzick,
on the 28th of May, 1807, sufficiently revealed his intention. I was
on duty with Madame at the Tuileries, and used to accompany her tc
the family dinners which took place every Sunday. On one of these
occasions, while I was waiting in the Salon de service in the Pavilion
of Flora, I perceived Savary approaching me : " Embrace me !"
cried he, " I have good news." — " Tell me the news first," said I,
" and then I shall see whether it be worth the reward." — " Well,
then, I am a Duke." — "That is news indeed," said I, "but why
should I embrace you for that?" — "My title is the Duke de Rovigo,"
continued he, marching up and down the room in an ecstasy of joy.
" And what do I care for your ridiculous title," said I, in a tone of
impatience. " Had he told you that you are a Duchess," said Rapp,
stepping up to me, and taking both my hands in his — " I am sure you
would have embraced him, as you will embrace me, for bringing you
the intelligence." — " That I will," said I, presenting my cheek to my
old friend Rapp, whose frank and cordial manner quite delighted
me. " And another for Junot," said he, smiling. " Well, be it so,"
answered I, " and I promise you I will inform him that you were the
first to tell me this good news." — "And, moreover," said Rapp,
" you have the best title of the whole batch of Duchesses. You are
the Duchess d'Abrantes." I perceived that the Emperor had given
Junot the title of the Duke d'Abrantes, as a particular compliment
to him. I therefore was doubly gratified. Junot was so deeply
impressed with the Emperor's kindness, that, as he afterwards told
me, he was moved to tears on receipt of the intelligence.

We descended to dinner, which was laid in the saloon at the foot
of the staircase of the Pavilion of Flora. At the head of our table
usually sat the Empress's lady of honour (then the Countess de la
Rochefoucauld) or the dame d'atours. Sometimes, in the absence of
both these ladies, the lady on duty at the Palace would preside.
On the day I allude to Madame de la Rochefoucauld was at her post,
an honour, by-the-by, which she seldom conferred upon us. I found
myself quite solitary in the midst of the company. The party was
composed of individuals whose manners and conversation did not
suit my taste. Thus I was very glad when I saw Madame Lannea
enter the saloon. Her company was always welcome to me; but

CREATION OF N'EW MOBILITY. 289

now it was especially so. We immediately drew near each other,
and sat down together at the table. " Well," said I, "here are great
changes ; but I am sure they will work none in you." I was right.
She might subsequently have conceived a taste for these pomps and
vanities; but at that time she was a simple, kind, and perfectly
natural creature. " You may indeed be sure that I care but little for
them," replied Madame Lannes ; " and I am sure Lannes will not
feel himself elevated by them. You know his turn of mind ; he is
still unchanged; but there are many who surround the Emperor
who entertain diametrically opposite opinions. Look around you."

I looked up, and beheld opposite to me the Duke de Rovigo,
whose countenance was radiant with self-complacency. The Duchess
de Rovigo sat at some distance from us. " I'll wager," said I to
Madame Lannes, " that she is not so vain of her elevation. She is
an amiable woman, and nut likely to assume any of these ridiculous
airs." Madame Lannes smiled.

"And what title have you got?" said I, after some further corner
sation. "Oh! a charming one!" replied she. "Duchess de Monte-
bello ! Mine and yours are the prettiest titles on the list." Here
she drew from her girdle a small card, on which was inscribed the
names of all the Dukes the Emperor had created, as also the inajor-
ates* appertaining to the titles. The Palace of the Tuileries had
never been the scene of more ambitious agitation. From the Marshal
to the lowest employe, all were eager to obtain, at least, a feather of
the nobiliary plume.

Our Sundaj evenings at the. Tuileries were not like others; for on
that day we were not permitted 1 « » enter the Emperor's saloon t<> wait
for the Princess. Sometimes, when the Emperor was in a good humour,
lie would invite the dames de pn/ais, or other ladies who accompanied
Madame, to enter. It, happened so on the day I here allude fco.
"Well ! STtldilui.v in hurlirssf (luin'rriiriisr,'' said the Klilpel'or to Ine

as soon as I entered, "are you satisfied with your title of A.brantes1
Junot, tOO, ought to be pleased with it. for I intend it as a proof of
my satisfaction of his conduct.f And what do they say of it in your
saloons of the Faubourg St. Germain ! They must he a little morti-
fied at the reinforcement I have sent them." Then turning to the
arch-chancellor, he said: '"Well, Monsieur, after all, nothing that I
have .1 • i-, more in unison with the true spirit of the French Revo-

* Tlw pecuniary allowance attached to the title.

f I bave already mentioned that the Emperor bad directed Junot to Li boa
at, nil hazards; and it was Junot'a 1 >« > I < I entranoe into Abrnntet which deoidtd
the ani se of the expedition.

5*

290 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

lution than the re-establishmcnt of high dignities. The French people
fought for only one thing: equality in the eye of the law, and the
power of controlling the acts of their government. Now, my nobility,
as they style it, is in reality no nobility at all, because it is without
prerogatives or hereditary succession. The only prerogative it enjoys,
if prerogative it can be called, is the fortune conferred by way of
recompense for civil or military services: while its hereditary succes-
sion depends on the will of the Sovereign in confirming the title on
the son or nephew of the deceased holder. My nobility is, after all,
one of my finest creations."

About this time a curious circumstance happened to me, which
affords an example of the accuracy with which the Emperor gained
information of every body's affairs and actions. I always entertained
a sort of religious veneration for old family connections, in spite of
my altered circumstances. Thus, whenever it lay in my power, I
endeavoured to show kind attention to the good nuns of La Croix,
who had educated my sister, Madame Geouffre, and to the Abbe
Remy, who had been her confessor. The Abbe, whom I have not
seen more than five or six times in the course of my life, was an
honest man, but perfectly null with respect to talent, and certainly
quite incapable of being the leader of a conspiracy. When the Abbe
Remy came to Paris he brought me a letter of introduction from my
brother Albert, from which 1 learned that the good priest, who had
been formerly my sister's tutor, had escaped the massacres of Sep-
tember. 1 received him as I would receive an old friend, and had
Junot been in Paris, I am sure I could have convinced him that
it would have been wrong to do otherwise. But Junot was then in
Lisbon, and I did not write to him on the subject, conceiving it to be
quite unimportant. What was my surprise when Duroc, who was
always sent on missions of this sort, called one day to inform me that
I had received into my house a factious priest, who had brought to
France copies of the comminatory Bull, addressed to the Emperor
by Pope Pius VII.

I stared at Duroc, as though he had been addressing me in Greek.
A Bull of excommunication appeared to me a thing so perfectly fabu
lous, that I never dreamed it could have existence in the year 1808.
It was no less extraordinary that I should be accused of having any
knowledge of it. I said this to Duroc, and he pressed the matter no
further. He informed me of what I was very sorry to hear, viz., that
the Abbe Remy, like the ass laden with relics (I ask his pardon foi
the comparison), had actually brought, in a letter of six or sevei
envelopes, the famous comminatory Bull. The Emperor was in

THE COMMIXATORY BULL. 291

rage. "1 nad seen this man, 1 had known him long. How happened
it that I was always — always — in league with his enemies ?" I was
angry with Duroc for being the bearer of such an absurd charge. I
was weary of this eternal repetition of unfounded suspicion ; and for
the first time, during our long acquaintance, Duroc and 1 quarrelled.
The Emperor, blinded by the reports of his police and counter-police,
might have lost himself in the labyrinth of his own creating; but that
Duroc, who knew me as well as he knew his own sister, should be so
far misled, was a thing which I could not pardon. Duroc was a
warm-hearted friend, but he too had his faults, he was not more gifted
with patience than I was. He spoke to me sharply — I replied to him
still more sharply. He rose and took his departure, and the resul
of this fine scene was, that I burst into a flood of tears. M. do Nar-
bonne, who called on me almost every day, happened at this moment
to enter.

On learning the cause of my distress, he told me that he had
a week before heard the whole history of the Bull. He very well
knew, he said, the man who had brought this document into France;
a document which, he observed, was very stupidly drawn up, and was
likely to make the Pope lose St. Peter's chair; and that if the Abbe
Remy had brought a copy of the Bull, it was only a duplicate. I con
fess I did not very well understand the matter, even after this explana-
tion. A Bull of excommunication was to me a sort of miracle. The
learned word comminatory, which M. de Narbonne was also obliged
to explain, appeared to me more calculated than all the rest to rouse
the Emperor's anger. "But what," said I to I\l. tie Narbonne, "is
the cause of this sudden misunderstanding between His Majesty and
His Holiness?"

It was the grand question of the French troops occupying Home,
and occupying il bo as to lead to the belief thai Aitila and Marius had
escaladed the walls. We find no traces of these terrible manoeuvres
in the journals of the day. The Emperor interdicted their publica-
tion in [Trance and Italy. In Spain they were surpressed as a matter
of course. It. was therefore only in England and a pari of Germany
i li.it any such intelligence could sec the light. The accounts pub-
lished in England were any thing but correct, \n-\wi for tic most pari
garbled by prejudice ami party feeling. I will therefore la) before
the readers all the facte I '-an collect from my own memory ami those

Of my friends, relative t,, the events of that time, when we were ii\

daily expectation <>f bearing that the tocsin bad sounded from the
dome of St. Peter's.

Tlie circumstances attending the removal of the Pope were hut

292 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FA JUL r.

little known in Paris; and yet what a noise that event and the excom
munication of Napoleon made in other parts of the world. One day
while we were in Spain (at Ledesma), and I was sitting at my window
admiring the enchanting beauty of the surrounding landscape, Junot
suddenly entered the apartment. He was gloomy and disturbed. 1
read in his countenance that some terrible event had occurred. " What
is the matter1?" inquired I eagerly. — " Look," said Junot, throwing
into my lap a paper printed in the Spanish language, " read that." It
was a copy of the political catechism which was then circulated in
Spain. To it was appended a proclamation of the famous Don Julian,
exhorting all good Spaniards to assassinate the French, because, being
the subjects of an excommunicated sovereign, they were themselves
excommunicated. I mention this fact in conjunction with the com-
minatory Bull. I have not yet come to the Spanish war. I merely
wish to point attention to the importance which was attached to the
Pope's Bull even in the perfumed valleys of Castile and Estramadura.
The following is a fragment of this curious document :

" For some time past the Holy See has been obliged to support
the enormous burden of your troops. Since 1807 they have cost
more than five millions of piastres.* You have taken from us the
duchies of Benevento and Ponte Corvo ! and you have constituted us
a prisoner in our apostolic residence. We appeal to all nations, and
above all wTe appeal to you yourself, as to a son consecrated and
vowed, to repair the damage, and maintain the rights of the Catholic
Church."f

Napoleon replied to this by immediately taking possession of the
provinces of Ancona, Macerata, Urbino, and Camerino, and annexing
them to the kingdom of Italy. The Pope's legate quitted Paris. M.
de Champagny, who was then minister for foreign affairs, but who,
like the rest of Napoleon's ministers, was only a sort of chief clerk,
published a long apology for the conduct of France. The Pope
replied through Cardinal Gabrielli, the secretary of state, and uncle
to Prince Gabrielli, who afterwards married Lucien's daughter. The
answer of His Holiness was couched in those terms of peace and con-
ciliation which became the chief of the Christian Church — the vicar of
Christ. But if ever circumstances can justify the sovereign Pontiff for
entering upon a war, Pius VII. may honourably claim that justification.

* About one million sterling.

f The whole of this document may be fc and in the Memoirs of the Cardinal
Pacca, with many curious particulars relating to this rupture

ERRORS OF NAPOLEON. 293

CHAPTER XXX.

flu Emperor at Bayonne — Abdication of Charles IV. — Errors of Napo eon —
Abdication of Ferdinand — Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain — Ferdinand
VII. at Valencay — Charles IV. at Compeigne — Insurrection of Arragon —
Massacres at Valencia and Seville — Murat superseded by Savary — Savary*8
absurdity — The provincial junta at Seville — Letter from Louis de Bourbon
— Murat made King of Naples — Reception of Joseph at Madrid — He retires
to Vittoria — Affair of Baylen — Capitulation violated — Commencement of
the Revolution in Spain — The Empress at Bordeaux — The Empress's return
to Paris — The Spanish junta at Bayonne — Absence of news at Paris — My
interview with Napoleon at St. Cloud — Fete at the Ilotel-de-Ville — The
supper — Letter from Spain — New Spanish Catechism.

A.T length the Emperor set out for Bayonne ; and then commenced
the tragedy which had so important an influence on the destinies of
Europe. All the particulars of the interviews which took place in
Bayonne, between the sovereign of France and the sovereigns of
Spain, arc sufficiently known. I say the sovereigns of Spain, for
Spain had then two, and all the embarrassment created by the pro-
test of Charles IV. served only, in fact, to give the finishing touch to
the work of perdition.

The course of events now advanced rapidly. Charles IV. pro-
ceeded to Bayonne, to appear with his son before the supreme tribu-
nal of Napoleon. Ferdinand restored to him his crown; and the old
monarch forthwith abdicated in favour of the Emperor of the French.
Here was the commencement of those errors on Napoleon's part,
which marked the whole course of the Peninsular campaign. The
original fault was not only saving the life of the Prince of the Peace,
but employing him at Bayonne as minister of King Charles IV.! The
Prince of the Peace had not only (alien from the royal favour but

from his position as a statesman, i'^r Ferdinand VII. had deprived

him, one after the other, of all his offices, even to the very lowest,
and he was now nothing more than Manuel Godoy. This was an

impolitic pro< ding on the part of Napoleon, — bul it was not the

only one. The nexl grand error was compelling Ferdinand to abdt
cate. Th.- Emperor ought rather to have given him a vife as he

desired. He Bhoul3 have seated him on the Spanish throne, trolled

all his movements (a thing perfectly easy), and then all would have

29-i NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

been well. 1 am convinced that Ferdinand acted with good faith
towards Napoleon, for I have found among the papers left by my
husband, Ferdinand's orders transmitted through Felieu his minister
of war ; and when subsequently, the Marquis del Soccoro (Solano)
afforded Junot the opportunity of disarming his troops, that was
nothing mure than the result of the bad feeling with which the
Spanish people had been inspired by that multitude of Juntas which
harassed Spain by their endless intrigues and infernal spirit. The
btate of things was, however, very different at Bayonne from the
19th of March, or rather the 4th of May.

Next came the abdication of Ferdinand, and his letter, couched in
such ambiguous terms, that it was calculated to set all Spain in a
blaze. Thus they went on, not only sacrificing every thing, but
making sacrifices, only to immolate themselves, and, as one may say,
to besprinkle the laurels of peace with the blood which deluged Spain.
But, before the publication of the treaties of Bayonne, many of the
towns nad declared their independence : Seville, Badajoz, and Oviedo
rose immediately on the receipt of the intelligence of the proceedings
of the 2d of May. Palafox, after having escorted Godoy to Bayonne,
having liberty to depart, availed himself of it to proceed to Saragossa.
It is probable, though nothing is known on the subject ; perhaps he
went there with the view that Ferdinand might transmit orders to
him. This, however, is of little consequence; the conduct of Palafox
was at all events judicious. Whilst in Spain the storm was tranquilly
gathering which was destined to overwhelm us, Junot was fortifying
himself at Lisbon, and, to use the Emperor's expression, really work-
ing well.

Napoleon was still at Bayonne. He had concluded the two
treaties with Ferdinand and Charles IV.* Joseph had been recalled
from Naples, and placed on the Spanish throne. To Charles IV. was
assigned Compiegne, and to Ferdinaud the Castle of Navarre. Charles
IV. had a civil list of thirty millions of reals; Ferdinand, still under
the title of Prince of the Asturias (for it must be borne in mind that
the Emperor never gave him any other denomination), had only an
annuity allotted him of four hundred thousand francs, for himself and
his descendants; and in the event of his having no issue, this income
was to revert to his brother and his uncle. However, the Emperor
allowed Ferdinand an additional income of six hundred thousand
francs from the treasury of France; which, in the event of his demise,

* The famous treaty by which Charles abandoned the heritage of hit
ancestors was signed on tiie 5th of May, ISoS.

AFFAIRS IN SPAIN. 295

was to revert to the Princess of the Asturias. All this produced a
singular effect in Paris. Even the French were amazed at this change
of sovereigns. Already the Prince and Queen of Portugal had set
the example, and the Spanish royal family followed in the track with
incredible celerity. Alas ! the time was approaching when downfalls
of royalty were to become familiar to us !

The work of Spain's misfortunes was accomplished. Ferdinand
VII. had removed from Bayonne to the prison of Valencay, which he
was not doomed to leave until six years after, and Charles IV. re.
paired to Compiegne, where the governor of the palace received him,
and took him into his safe keeping : this was Count de Laval-Mont-
morency. A few days afterwards the Emperor received an address
from the supreme Junta sitting at Bayonne, praying that he would
send his brother Joseph to reign over Spain. The council of Castile,
and the municipal body of Madrid, expressed the same wish. Not-
withstanding all that has been said to the contrary, no desire was
ever more voluntary or more unanimous; and when a city was not
occupied by the French troops, the opinions of its inhabitants were
freely manifested. Even in the presence of the French troops, the
silence of the Spaniards was energetic. On the 23d of May, Valencia
and Seville were in a state of insurrection, and on the 27th, St. Ferdi-
nand's day, the whole of Arragon rose. The Junta sent the Marquis
de Lazan, the brother of Palafox, to recommend the latter to preserve
tranquillity : but the mischief had gone too far. I have good reasons
for believing (hat Palafox had received secret instructions at Bayonne
from Ferdinand VII.; and there is also ground to suspeel thai Eng-
land strongly instigated the. insurrectionary movement in Spain.
Such a proceeding was perfectly consistent with the spirit of the
British cabinet. When I was conversing, in 1814, with a member of
the English parliament, he expressed himself sorry that the power of
Napoleon had not been attacked by a measure, which, in his opinion,
would inevitably have been triumphant: this was, to have proclaimed
Soull King of Portugal when he wished to attain that dignity.
"Imagine," said he, "what would have been the moral effect produced
in Europe l>y the defection of one <>l' the first captains of Napoleon'a
army !" I [e was right.

The magistrates and other public authorities fell sacrifices to the

popular fury in various parts of Spain. The victims selected were

those individuals who had been appointed by Charles IV. or the
Prince of the Peace, or those whom the Emperor appeared to have
acknowledged. Don Francisco de Borja, commander of the marine
service at Cadiz; Count de Torre Fresno, governor of Badajoz j Don

296 XAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

Santiago de Guzman, governor of Tortosa; Lieutenant-geueral Filan^
ghieri, Don Miguel de Cevallos, Don Pedro Truxillo, the Marquis de

Laguila, and Baron de Albala, were assassinated and cut to pieces, in
tli>' insurrections of Valencia and Seville.

The climate of Madrid did not agree with Murat. He was seized
with colic, a disorder which is very prevalent there, and is frequently
attended by fatal results. Savary superseded him at Madrid. I
know not how this latter discharged his duties; but this I know, that
he made himself extremely ridiculous. He used to be served by
servants kneeling; I am aware that this may appear incredible; but
let those who doubt the fact inquire among the inhabitants of Madrid ;
— the answer will be that General Savary, when at table, had his
goblet handed to him by a page on his knees.

About this time the famous provincial Junta was formed at
Seville. Doubtless the Spaniards were not disposed to receive Jo-
seph ; yet, when the Junta of Bayonne named him as sovereign, it
may be observed that the signatures of those who approved the new
constitution were exceedingly numerous. The list includes the names
of the Duke del Infantado, the Duke del Parquc, the Duke de Trias,
the Marquis d'Ariza, the Prince de Castel-Franca, the Count de
Fuentes, the Archbishop of Burgos, the Marquis de Santa-Cruz, the
Count de Fernand-Nunez, Fray Augustin, General de San Juan de
Dieu, Fray Miguel de Acevedo, etc., etc. But in this long list, there
appeared another signature which was worth all the rest. I will give
it, with the letter to which it was affixed, and which is addressed to
the Emperor.

" Sire,

" The surrender of the crown of Spain which has been made to
your Imperial and Royal Majesty, by King Charles IV., my august
sovereign, and which has been ratified by their Highnesses the Prince
of the Asturias and the Infants Don Carlos and Don Antonio, im-
poses upon me the gratifying obligation of laying at the feet of your
Imperial and Royal Majesty, the homage of my attachment, fidelity
and respect. I pray that your Imperial and Royal Majesty will
deign to acknowledge me as your most faithful subject, and make
known to me your sovereign intentions, so that I may give proof of
my eager and cordial submission. Heaven grant long life to your
Imperial and Royal Majesty for the good of the church and state.

" I am, Sire, your Imperial and Royal Majesty's most faithfu.

subject, Louis de Bourbon,

Cardinal de Scala ai d Archbishop of Toledo.
- Toledo, 22 May, 1808."

v MURAT MADE KING OF NAPLES. 297

A fine letter, truly, to be written by any one bearing ihe name of
Bourbon, even admitting the submission to Napoleon to have been
compulsory !

The Emperor was still at Bayonne, busied in making arrange-
ments for the government of his brother Joseph. Murat was declared
King of Naples. By thus seating a Prince of his family on every
throne in Europe, Napoleon hoped to consolidate his power. Alas.
he soon learned by cruel experience, that among sovereigns, as among
private individuals, the ties of blood are but a feeble security for the
performance of duty, when personal interest intervenes. Murat de-
parted for Naples, accompanied by his wife, who was at length ren
dered perfectly happy by the thought of filling a throne; for the ducal
chair which she had hitherto occupied had been any thing but agree-
able to her. Knowing her as 1 did, I am convinced that her joy at
this good fortune must have well nigh turned her brain. But, after
all, this joy was perfectly natural; — 1 do not here mean to convey
any reproach to the Princess. On the 9th of July, after the victory
of Medina de Rio Seco* had opened to Joseph a road to his capital,
he left Bayonne for Madrid, which he entered on the 20th of duly.
The new sovereign was received in profound silence. The Spanish
people had not yet had the opportunity of appreciating his good
qualities, and above all, his wish to render them happy. He had not
been a week in Madrid when the disasters of Baylen, which were felt
in all parts of the Peninsula, obliged him to seek, a retreat at Vittoria.

The ministers, five in number, Mazzaredo, Cabarus, Urquijo,
Azanza, and O'Farril followed him without hesitation; Cevalus and
Pinuela remained in Madrid, On Joseph's entrance an unfortunate
circumstance occurred: this was the positive refusal of the Council
of Castile to recognise him. 1 am enabled to speak with certainty of
this fact. I' was not known in France, because, as may naturallj lie
supposed, it was not, inserted in the Moniteur. We were so com-
pletely kepi in tin- dark, that when King Joseph left Madrid to return
to Vittoria, for fear of being carried oil' by General <':i^;mi<'\ who
had just beaten General Duponf at Baylen, the Moniteur stated that
tin French <innij in Spain was going to remove its quarters to •> />/n<r
where it would have tl>< benefit of milder air and better nutter.

G neral Vedel had been loudly accused of having abandoned
General Dupont. This accusation i> probably made onl) to Bcreen
the guilty party. Thai General I >n j t was involuntarily in fault is

* Tlii-i battle vu gained by Marshal Bi ii re , on the 1 1 1 ■ <•!" July. It. wna
b rery sanguinary conflict The Bpani b force i nted bo 10,000k

298 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

possible ; but still he was nevertheless in fault ; and the odious affair
of Baylen ended with the disgrace cf a violated capitulation. *t
would seem that the Spaniards thought themselves justified in not
keeping their faith with men so unmindful of French glory.*

Whilst the tumult of war and revolution overspread the Penin-
sula, and converted the fertile plains of Andalusia into another Vega,
where the blood of the French and Spaniards flowed in mingled tor-
rents, other terrible revolutions shook Europe to its remotest ex-
tremity. The brocaded sofas of the seraglio were stained with impe-
rial blood. Weary of the yoke of Mustapha, the janizaries conspired
and demanded the restoration of Selim : his dead body was thrown
among them. Within the guilty wralls of the seraglio, the air is at
once impregnated with the perfume of roses and the odour of blood.
All, even the clear waves of the Bosphorus, reflect the image of
death.

Whilst Spain was rising in revolution, while the bonfires of in-
cendiarism were blazing on her hills, and the alarm-bell was sounding
from all her steeples, we were living at Paris in the profoundest
ignorance of the important events which were developing themselves
in that neighbouring nation. The Emperor was still at Bayonne, for
which place the Empress had set out, taking the road through Bor
deaux, as it wTas the Emperor's pleasure that this part of France,
which had sustained so much injury from the wrar, should at least be
soothed by fair words and gracious manners, which Josephine so well
knew how to adopt. She received orders to make herself agreeable,
and she succeeded in enchanting the Bordelais. This I learnt when I
passed through that town on my way to the Pyrenees.

While the Empress wras there, the Emperor was at Bayonne
organizing, or rather disorganizing Spain, with an ardour which bor-
dered on infatuation : we poor females, who were left at Paris, wraited
impatiently even for a single letter, which should quiet the alarms
unauthenticated rumours could not fail at such moments to inspire ;
but there stood Bayonne, like a great gulf, between us and our cor-
respondents, and not a word reached us but what it pleased the
master to make us acquainted with. The result of this capital ma-
noeuvre, the invention of Louvois, but perfected in our time, spared
certainly even greater uneasiness than it inflicted, but kept us in a
state of absolute ignorance.

The Emperor returned to Paris early in September. He had
remained longer at Bayonne than he intended, but the affairs of Spain

• See " Chronologie de l'Histoire de France,'- by Montgaillard, p. 467.

ABSENCE OF NEWS AT PARIS. 299

had not proceeded quite so passively as he had anticipated. Not
only had some impediments arisen within the country, as the opposi-
tion of the council of Castille ; but even the written opinions of
those grandees of Spain, who composed that bastard Cortes called the
Junta, were not adequate to the effect which Napoleon expected from
them, the calming and satisfying the public mind. This Junta was
precisely the same thing as the famous chamber of two hundred and
twenty-one Did it satisfy France? 1 rather think not; yet we are
much more submissive in accepting what is put upon us than are the
Spaniards. They signed, because their right hands were not para-
lyzed, and because, when Napoleon raised his eye of fire, and said in
his low and sonorous voice, with an accent attuned to the diapason
of the most elevated soul, " Obey my commands /" — because when
he looked and spoke thus, it was impossible to resist him — these
grandees of Spain signed then, and upon the guarantee of their signa-
ture Joseph entered Spain, and Napoleon returned to Paris. On re-
entering his fine capital, had he been well-informed, he would have.
found, for the first time, a sinister change in the minds of men.
Their active will he could restrain, but thought is always free, and
this faculty had had ample occupation since the affair of Spain had
been in agitation. The public began to reason upon this strange his-
tory. No tidings arrived of the army of Portugal ; and two months
had elapsed without a single letter from that country reaching Paris,
when ihi' Emperor arrived from the south, to stay only a few days,
being about to set out immediately tor Erfurth.

My uneasiness about Junot became excessive. 1 had frequently
seen the arch-chancellor in the Emperor's absence, and so entirely
ignorant did he appear, thai unable to believe what was nevertheless
a fact, that the Emperor himself had received no letters from Junot,
I began to conclude that some great misfortune had occurred. We
bad then no idea of the nature of the Spanish war, and this total
■ — ation of intelligence appeared impossible. Even an intimate
friend of mine, who had means of learning through England what
was passing in Portugal, received no news: it was distracting. Im-
mediately, therefore, upon tin'. Emperor's return. I wrote to him to
learn if In knew with any certainty thai Junol was still living, and
supplicating him to send me a. single word that mighl relieve mj
anxiety. Some days passed before I received an answer, which came
at length through the arch-chancellor, and with it a lecture upon my
presumption in interrogating the Emperor upon matters touching his
polities. I thoughl this remonstrance somewhat singular, bul ro»
ceived it with profound submission ; and as -.nun as the arch chancel

300 NAPOLEON, HIS COUKT AND FAMILY.

lor left me, T despatched a letter f<> the Emperor, requesting an
audience that same day, as I had a favour to solicit. The Emperor
was then at St. Cloud, and I was at Neuilly.

The cause of my request was of some importance. Since Junot
had been governor of Paris, whether he was absent or present, I had
always done the honours of the city fetes at the Hotel-de-Ville. This
time, as usual, though the Emperor had been absent on the 15th of
August, the city was desirous of celebrating the St. Napoleon, and
the list of those ladies who were to receive the Empress had been
brought to me for presentation to the Grand-marshal. It was per-
fectly natural to me to preside at these entertainments, when every
thing was in its right course ; but at present matters were very far
otherwise, I felt the unpleasantness of my situation, and this deter-
mined me to request an audience. I received an order to be at St.
Cloud at nine o'clock in the evening. On my arrival I found the
Emperor in his closet, looking upon the little private garden reserved
for his use ; the door was open, and at my entrance he stood on the
step of the door, looking straight before him with the fixed and
vacant stare of a person deep in thought. He started at the opening
of the door, and turning sharply towards me, asked with an expression
of petulance, why I should not believe what he had ordered the arch-
chancellor to tell me. " Your husband is perfectly well — what the
devil do you mean by these conjugal jeremiads ?" — " Sire, my mind
is relieved, since your Majesty has had the goodness to send me word
that I might be easy ; but in the situation in which I stand at this
moment, I am come to entreat your Majesty to permit me to decline
going to the Hotel-de-Ville to-morrow." — He was still looking to-
wards the garden-door, but on hearing this he turned hastily round,
and said in a very singular tone of voice, "Hem ! — what do you say ]
— not go to the Hotel-de-Ville 1 — and pray why not ?" — " Because,
Sire, I fear that some misfortune has occurred to Junot — I beg your
Majesty's pardon," I continued with firmness, for his bent brow pre-
saged a storm, "but, I repeat, I have no tidings of Junot— neither has
your Majesty any — and I am unwilling to expose myself to hear,
perhaps of his death, in a public ball-room." I know not how I ac-
quired so much audacity, but I had it. The Emperor looked at me
angrily, then shrugged his shoulders, but eventually commanded
himself. " I have told you that your husband is in good health — why
will you not believe me 1 I cannot prove it, but I give you my
word." — " It is certainly enough to satisfy me, Sire, but I cannot
write a circular to communicate this satisfactory assurance to the four
thousand persons who will be present at the city fete, and who will

INTERVIEW WLTH NAPOLEON. 301

think it very extraordinary that I should present myself so publicly,
when I have such strong cause of uneasiness." — " And what should
these four thousand persons know about your cause of uneasiness V
he exclaimed in a terrible voice, and advancing towards me with an
impetuosity of manner which almost made me afraid of him. " This
is the result of your drawing-room council, letters, and all your gos-
sipings with my enemies. You declaim against me, you attack all
my actions. What was that which the Prussian minister, one of
your friends, was lately saying at your house, about my tyranny
towards his King 1 Truly I am a very cruel tyrant. If their great
Frederick, that they make so much noise about, had had occasion to
punish as much disloyalty as 1 have, he would have done it more
effectually. And after all, Glogau and Custrin will be much better
guarded by my troops than by the Prussians, for they have no great
cause to be proud of their defence of them."

This was perhaps the tenth time since my return from Portugal
that the Emperor repeated to me what had been said at my house.
On the former occasions I was conscious that the truth had been told
him, but in fact, I never heard the minister of Prussia, who certainly
visited me frequently, say a word that bore the least analogy to the
sentiments which the Emperor imputed to him. The Baron de
Brockhausen was a man of great circumspection, very mild, saying
little, and perfectly to be trusted. He stood, moreover, in the diffi-
cult position of representing an unfortunate and humiliated nation,
and no one was less suited to maintain such an attitude, lie conse-
quently shut himself up in absolute silence, and though he visited me
almost daily, we sometimes laughingly remarked, after his departure,
"The Baron has uttered seven words this evening." He was other-
wise a truly respectable man — an excellent father, and one of (In-
most estimable Prussians I have ever met will). This knowledge of
his character convinced me at once, that the Emperor was only en-
deavouring (to express myself in his own phrase) to pump me* and I
was also certain that if such a subject of conversation had ever been
entertained in ray society, M. de Brockhausen was the last person
Aho would have opened his lips upon it. I therefore firmh replied
that his Majesty had Keen misinformed, and I would undertake to
say that such words as (hose he had jusl repeated had never been

uttered in my bouse.

He stamped with his foot, and, approaching me as quick as light-
ning, exclaimed, ' So, 1 have bold an untruth I" — •■ 1 have the honour

• Me t irer l< - \ en in oea

302 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

bo answer/' said I, very calmly, "that your Majesty is misinformed."
— " Oh ! to be sure — that is what you all say, when you are spoken
to as on this occasion." — " According to your Majesty's observation,
it would seem that I am not the only person accused, and I think 1
may affirm that others are so as unjustly as myself." The word ah
had not escaped me.

The Emperor, when any thing nearly affected him, and he did not
give vent to his feelings in words, concentrated in the expression of
his countenance all the oppressiveness of his power. He fixed this
look with its utmost weight upon me ; I looked down, not from fear,
as he might observe, but only that it did not become me to dispute
in this manner with him. When I again raised my eyes he was still
looking at me, but with a very different, and, to say the truth, very
strange expression ; and never, in the course of my life, had I felt
less disposed to endure that expression, or the interpretation that
might be put upon it.

"What are your Majesty's commands?" said », receding towards
the door : the Emperor did not answer immediately, but presently
said, " I forbid you to repeat what has passed here, do you understand
me 1 — see that you obey ! or I will let you know who you have to
deal with." — " I shall obey you, Sire ! not for fear of your anger, but
that I may not have to blush before conquered foreigners, at letting
them perceive our family misunderstandings."

I made my obeisance and prepared to go : I was in haste to leave
the room. Yet I was desirous, before I went, to settle the question
wfhich brought me thither, and I told the Emperor, that it seemed to
me more suitable that I should not make my appearance at the Hotel-
de-Ville, where my station placed me in the foreground immediately
after the Empress, at a moment when such reports were current re-
specting the army of Portugal. He resumed the expression of
sovereignty : " And what," said he, in a tone calculated to strike t »
the heart and make one tremble, " what are those reports ?" This
time I could not resist a sensation of fear, and replied in a low voice,
"They say it is lost — that Junot has been compelled to capitulate
like Dupont — and that the English have carried him to Brazil." — " It
is false ! it is false ! I tell you !" — and he struck his fist upon the
table with such violence as to throw down a heap of papers. " It is
false !" he exclaimed again, swearing this time like a sub-lieutenant of
dragoons. "Junot capitulate like Dupont ! it is a tissue of false-
hoods, but precisely because it is said, you must go to the Hotel-de-
Ville. You must go, do you hear? — and even if you were ill, still
you ought to go It is my will — good night." On returning to mj

FETE AT THE HOTEL-DE-VILLE. 303

carriage, I wept like a child. The Emperor seemed to be very se-
vere towards Junot and me. However, upon reflection 1 felt assured
that nothing unfortunate had occurred to my husband, since he per-
sisted so pertinaciously upon my going to this ball. On my arrival
at Neuilly, I found a friend there waiting to learn the result of my
petition; he took the same view of the subject; and whin, after a
long promenade under the balmy limes which bordered the canal, he
took leave of me to return to Paris, I felt reassured, and much more
tranquil.

I went to the fete: regulated like its predecessors and equal in
magnificence, I know not why it appeared dull and melancholy. The
Emperor either did not come at all, or came but for a moment. 1
was so absorbed in my own feelings, that I cannot now remember
whether he came or not. I do not understand how it happened that
he- who usually was so tenacious of his. popularity with his good citi-
zens of Paris, should not on this occasion have made an effort to
gratify them. The senatus-consultum authorizing the levy of eighty
thousand conscripts of the classes of 180(3, 7, 8, 9, and 10, to he forth-
with brought into actual service, had just appeared, and had struck a
kind of stupor upon the city. There was even some talk of calling
out eighty thousand conscripts of the class 1810, as yet scarcely
eighteen years of age ; they were to be reserved, it was said, to guard
the coasts. The Emperor knew all the reports that were circulated,
and was certainly not ignorant of what was said in the shops of Paris.
Here, then, was his motive for insisting on my appearance at this
entertainment. Had I been absent, the most absurd of the su|>|iosi-
tions current concerning the fate of Junol and his army would have
acquired a dangerous consistency. Thus it is that such men as Na-
poleon Consider private interests and feelings as perfect nullities in
the political balance. I have since learned thai the battle of Vimiera,
which was fought on the 21st of August, was near destroying Junot

and the army ! Was the Emperor totally ignorant of this battle on

the 1th of September 1 I think not-, no doubl he would have ao
quired some confused intelligence of it through the medium of Eng
land.

This fete was excessively dull, or so at least it appeared to me.
rl'h- Empress was presenl :i verj short tine-, and would not sta\ to
supper. I had a dreadful headache, but did nol like to retire at the
same time, — it would have looked ab urd. I Btayed to Bupper, and
some foreigners of distinction accompanied me into a separate room,
In which a table of fiffy covers was laid out. The ladies ouh took
their scats round it, the gentlemen stood behind them. Count Fro

301 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILF.

chot, then prefect of the Seine, was not only a man of sense, but
possessed all the qualifications that could be required to take the lead
with advantage in such a ceremony. He was a perfectly well-bred

man, joining politeness with dignity, and doing the honours of the
civic feast with as much ease as those of his own house, in the con-
nexion with which my place in the entertainment threw me with him,
he acted in the most graceful manner possible ; but, to say the truth,
in Junot's absence I had no business whatever at the Hotel-de-Ville,
and matters would have proceeded on this occasion perfectly well
without me. The Count was thoroughly agreeable ; and this qualifi-
cation, so essential in society, was peculiarly useful to him in the vast
galleries of the Hotel-de-Ville, where were congregated not only the
most considerable capitalists of France, but all the great, the noble,
the eminent for birth or favour, whom Europe deputed as her repre
sentatives at Paris. There was Metternich, the Austrian ambassador ;
M. de Tolstoy, from Russia ; the Baron de Brockhausen, the minister
of Prussia ; the ambassador of Spain, and the crowd of envoys from
the German courts, among which Bavaria, Saxony, and Wirtemberg
held the rank of kingdoms.

About this period I received a confidential and very interesting
letter from Madrid, written to me, only, by a Spaniard possessing a
truly great and generous mind. I am obliged to withhold his name,
and regret that family considerations impose this reserve upon me.
This letter was addressed to me because its writer was a friend of
mine, and because, knowing my situation in the Imperial court, he
hoped that I might prove the means of some important truths reach-
ing the Emperor's ears. He did not know that Napoleon never
listened to a woman. I regretted, however, that I had not received
this letter before my memorable audience, as I should certainly have
spoken of some of its contents without giving up to him. " Spain,"
the writer says, " is lost : probably you have no idea of the causes of
the evil. First on the list stand the disasters of Baylen ; Castanos
has made great advantage of the signature of one of your great officers
of the Empire. He reports that the captains of Napoleon no longer
hold by him, since Marescot, who had no reason to sanction Dupont's
disgrace (you see I speak as a Frenchman, because I am a man of
honour and a soldier), was eager to sign the convention. But this is
not all, King Joseph's unfortunate departure from Madrid, a week
after his entry — dear Duchess, you know that distrust produces dis-
trust— by proving to the Spaniards that he had no confidence in them,
Joseph pointed out to them the party they should adopt. Oh ! my
poor country ! may the Virgin and the saints be her protectors, foi

POLITICAL CATECHISM. 305

she ij in great necessity ! A supreme Junta is estab.ished at Aran-
juez, the beautiful shades of which have witnessed melancholy scenes
and bloody tragedies. The waters of the Tagus have been dyed with
Spanish blood. A civil war, it is true, divided Spain in the cause of
Philip V. and the Archduke. But this is of a totally different nature.
The quarrel between your Emperor and the Pope has been the main
spring of the mischief. If you did but know what a catechism is
taught the children! All this would have been spared if the Empe-
ror Napoleon had put Godoy upon his trial and caused him to be
hanged. Instead of this he treats with him! — It is lamentable. I
send you a specimen of the catechism which is dispersed throughout
Andalusia. How important it would be that the Emperor should
see it !"

The remainder of the letter contained little more than repetitions
(jf the above sentiments, except the following fragments of the cate-
chism alluded to :

"Child, what art thou?" — "A Spaniard, by the grace of God." —
'• What do you mean by that?" — "An honest man." — "Who is our
enemy ?" — "The Emperor of the French." — " What is the Emperor
Napoleon?" — "A wicked being, the source of all evils, and the focus
of all vices." — "How many natures has he?" — "Two: the human
and the diabolical." — " How many Emperors of the French arc
there?" — "One actually, in three deceiving persons." — "What are
they called?" — "Napoleon. Murat, and Manuel Godoy, the Prince of
the Peace."" — •• Which is the most wicked ?" — "They are all equally
so." — " What are the French ?" — "Apostate Christians, turned here-
tics."— " What punishmenl does a Spaniard deserve who fails in his
duty?" — "The (Lath and infamy of a traitor." — "Is it a sin to kill a
Frenchman?" — "No. my father; heaven is gained by killing one of
these heretical dogs."

These are the principal heads of a catechism which the Spanish
priests teach the children, as many greal persons very well knew.

5S

306 NAPOLEON. HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTER XXXI.

News ol tiie Convention of Cintra — Landing of the British troops — Patiiotism
of Count de Bourmont — Battle of Viiniera — Council of Generals — Admiral
Siniavin — General Kellermann treats with the English generals — Anecdote
— Siniavin's treachery — The Convention — My departure for RocheUe — ■
Meeting with Junot — Arrest of M. de Bourmont — Anecdote of the Emperor
of Russia — Napoleon and Alexander — The Arch-chancellor's fete — Count
Metternich and the Duke de Cadore — War with Austria — Defeat of Genera)
Moore.

At length tidings from Portugal reached France ; they were disas-
trous for Napoleon, but honourable for Junot and all belonging to
him! How noble was his conduct! The glory of the French arms
remained untarnished, and to him alone was that due. How often
since his terrible death have I wept over that imperishable monument
of his victory over England, the Convention of Cintra! Alas! he to
whom his whole life was devoted, alone disowned its merit. One
evening when Junot gave a ball at the government house, an officer
belonging to the staff of General Thomieres, commandant of Fort
Peniche, arrived with pressing despatches. The tidings they con-
tained were fearful and certain. The English, to the number of
twelve thousand men, had effected a landing with an immense train of
artillery, and every species of warlike munition. Junot directed the
officers about him to increase their attentions to the ladies, and the
gaiety of the ball-room, while he himself retired to his closet and
ordered General Laborde immediately to march towards the enemy
in order to prevent the whole truth from reaching the city at once.
For some days this apparent security answered its purpose ; but not-
withstanding General Laborde's victory over the English at Roleia,
another victory gained in Spain, the announcement of the march of
twenty thousand French troops through Braganza to succour Lisbon,
the entry of Joseph into Madrid and the fetes in celebration of this
event, still the spirit of insurrection raged at Lisbon, and was kept in
check only by the presence of Junot. If was nevertheless absolutely
necessary to meet the enemy. On the 15th of August, after celebra-
ting the Emperor's birth-day by a grand dinner and a splendid per-
for man ce at the Opera hou^e, Junot returned at midnight to his

bourmont's patriotism. 307

private apai tments, and assembled there the ministers and General
Travot. He told them he was about to set out to give battle to the
English; charged them with their immediate duties; pressed with
emotion the hand of General Travot, whose noble character he highly
e&teemed, and to whose care he was confiding the capital ; and quitted
the government house to seek his death — for at that moment he little
expected ever to see again his country, his wife or his children.

I must not here omit an anecdote of a man often attacked, and
whom I always feel desirous of justifying. Count de Bourmont was
at this time among the French refugees at Lisbon; it was in his power
to go over to the English or to join the Portuguese insurgents ; but,
instead of doing either the one or the other, he sought Junot and thus
addressed him : "Monsieur le Due, I have never disowned my country ;
I am a Frenchman, you are attacked : a resolute heart and two stout
arms may be useful to you, and I come to offer them: are you willing
to place me upon your staff?" Junot was, perhaps, of all men in the
army, the most capable of appreciating such conduct; he approached
M. de Bourmont, took his hand, which he pressed warmly, and in a
toil'- of emotion replied: " M. de Bourmont, I not only accept your
services, but I pledge my honour that no difficulties shall be thrown
in the way of your return to France ; you have my word, which never
fails.'' And he kept it effectually. M. de Saint-Mezard, an officer of
the ex-royal body guard, M. de Viomesnil, nephew of the Marshal,
and many other emigrants, acted in a similar manner; but the exam-
ple was set by M. de Bourmont.

Junol then proceeded to meet the enemy, who was advancing
upon Lisbon by the route of Thomar, numbering above thirteen
thousand effective troops, besides an army of sixty thousand Spanish
and Portuguese insurgents, the whole country and all the chances of
the future in their favour, while Junot'a army barely amounted to

nine thousand two hundred men, destitute ol' resources. Under these

circumstances Junot was eager to engage, and being above all desirous
of 'brestalling an attack, he determined to meel the enen y. The

battle took place, on the, 21sl of A.UgU9t; the conduct of the army

throughout the day, which the oppressive heal of the weather rendered
truly laborious, was such as to maintain the glory of our eagles and

the purity of our standards, which, thanks to the valour of their

defenders and the ability of their chiefs, returned unsullied i" France.
Notwithstanding all this courage and zeal, the battle was lost; happily
our army remained on the field after the lire had ceased, which enabled
them to cover the retreat of the wounded, but we losl a thousand men

303 NAPOLEuX, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

killed and eight hundred prisoners, of which Dumber not mote than s
hundred and fifty were disabled.

In these almost desperate circumstances, Junot assembled Generals
Loison, Laborde, Kcllermann, and Thiebault, to consult upon the next
steps to be taken. To retreat, even by forced marches, across Spam,
was impossible ; one chance only afforded a ray of hope. I have not
yet mentioned the Russian squadron which Junot found in the Tagua
on his arrival at Lisbon, and which had ever since been treated by the
Fiench army as belonging to a nation whose chief was the brother of
our Emperor's heart. Junot then had a right to expect that the co-
operation of Admiral Siniavin, who commanded eight vessels, would
be of the utmost value to him in this extremity. He had yet to learn
that the assistance of an ally is only to be reckoned upon in the time
of success. Siniavin was an unsociable animal, and it may be observed,
that when the Russians are savage it is not by halves. The father of
this admiral was probably one of the number of those who preferred
losing their heads to surrendering their beards ; at all events, he
belonged to a barbarous race. In relating the events of this memora-
ble period, I have adhered strictly to the papers left by the Duke
d'Abrantes, and to the details communicated to me by the Duke de
Valmv, and Generals Thiebault and De Laborde. The result of the
conference called by the Duke was to send General Kellermann, fur-
nished with full powers, to the English camp, to see what could be
done in the way of negotiation. The English General was Sir Hugh
Dalrymple, and next under him was Sir Arthur Wellesley, now the
Duke of Wellington.

At eleven o'clock in the morning of the 22d, General Kellermann
took the road to Vimiera, and was astonished not to meet with any
station ; for a moment he believed the enemy was in retreat, and he
has himself related to me a circumstance which proves the accuracy
and aeuteness of his judgment. " In proportion as I advanced," said
he, " without meeting a single English cockade, my confidence revived,
and recovered by degrees a self-consequence which was complete,
when, on my arrival at the English head-quarters, I found myself
admitted 1o treat on terms of perfect equality." It was not till three
in the afternoon that General Kellermann found himself in front of the
English outposts, which were precisely in their position of the pre-
ceding day ; and so great was the uneasiness of the English, that not-
withstanding he had attached his white handkerchief to the end of his
sabre, he had to face about thirty musket shots before he was recog-
nised as a negotiator. At length he was conducted to Sir Hugh
Dalrymple, who had arrived that very morning to supersede S'u

KELLERMANN TREATS WITH THE ENGLISH. 309

Arthur WeUesley; just to sign the convention of Cintra — truly it was
hardly worth while ! General Kellermann understands the English as
perfectly as the French language ; but he took care to conceal his
knowledge: in war, stratagem is justifiable, but in the existing situa-
tion of the French army, every possible advantage was fair play, and
the General made no scruple of using this. This ruse proved extremelv
useful to him ; for, after he had opened the basis of his proposition, the
two Generals retired to the embrasure of a window, and he heard one
of them observe, in a low tone, "We are not in a very good position ;
let us hear what he has to say."

At this moment dinner was announced, and General Kellermann,
having been invited by Sir Hugh Dalrymple, sat down with the
English officers. The dinner was gay, but so extremely frugal as to
satisfy the General that what he had heard of the scarcity of pro-
visions in the English camp was true. While the party continued at
table, an officer returned who had been sent to Figuera; nothing hav-
ing yet transpired to show that the Duke de Valmy understood
English, Sir Arthur and Sir Hugh inquired eagerly of the officer, in
English, what news he brought. To which he replied: ': Sir John
Moore has not yet arrived at Figuera." This was the same Sir John
Moore whom the Emperor afterwards so effectually drove into the
sea at Corunna. He was to bring an additional force of fourteen
thousand men, the absence or presence of which was of the utmost
importance at this crisis.

In drawing up the preliminary articles, the interests of our allies
were stipulated for: " What !" exclaimed Sir Arthur WeUesley, "do
you pretend to include the Russian fleet in your treaty *?" — "Russia
is our ally," replied the Duke of Valmy, '■and it is impossible for us
to abandon her fleet. Hut I shall not be sorry if you rejeel this article,
as in that case' the Admiral, in his own defence, will lie obliged to dis-
embark hi- crews, we shall be enabled to recall our garrisons, and
Bhall thus obtain a reinforcement of ten thousand fresh and veteran
troops, which will enable us to deliver Portugal in three weeks."
The two English generals again withdrew to the window, and Genera.
Kellermann overheard the words, "Thai would be very well, bul tho
ten thousand Russians!" It is manifest that, without intending it. the
Russians were very useful to u .

At length the preliminaries were concluded, and General Kellei-
raann returned to the French bead-quarters, accompanied to the out-
posts by Lord Burghersh, and overwhelmed with civilities |.V the
English officers, who, having previously entertained a high opinion of
his military character, had now received BufBcienf proof of his diplo-

310 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

matic abilities. An anecdote related by General Kelle/mann wil
prove how generous and noble in social and private life are those
same Englishmen whom in public affairs we find so little worthy of
esteem. Colonel Taylor, a much esteemed English officer, possessed
a remarkable horse ; its colour was dark bay, its figure perfect ; but
its qualities were even more excellent than its beauty ; it obeyed a
word as a sign, and performed all the little services of a dog. The
Colonel was killed at Vimiera in an engagement between the troops
under his command and those of the Duke de Valmy. His horse
was taken and brought to the Duke. As soon as the English learned
that it was in his possession, they requested General Kellermann to
set any ransom he pleased upon it, that it might be restored to his
regiment, which was anxious to preserve and take charge of it in
memory of its master. The General refused the ransom, and cour-
teously returned the noble charger ; but the English officers chose a
horse of the first quality, and presented it to the French General,
through the hands of Sir Arthur Wellesley, with that peculiar gra-
ciousness with which an English gentleman so well knows how to
adorn his private transactions.

" Ah !" exclaimed Junot, " if this Russian admiral would but
second us with six thousand additional men, and such coadjutors
as you, I would not quit Portugal !" Nothing was yet signed.
General Kellermann undertook this new mission; he proceeded to
Admiral Siniavin ; requested of him five thousand men from his
crews, undertook to furnish them with arms, and to place them in
the forts, whence he would thus be enabled to withdraw a similar
number of French troops. The Russian was over-persuaded, and
promised ; but after the lapse of a few hours, this man, whom his
sovereign ought to have exiled to Siberia for his baseness, retracted,
and wrote to Junot that he could not land a single man, and that,
moreover, he should make his own terms with Sir Charles Cotton, the
English admiral. This resolution was as injurious to the Russians
as it was to the French, and was moreover disgraceful to the former.
Junot has told me that he suffered more in receiving this letter from
Siniavin, than in the loss of the battle of Vimiera ; a deceived hope
is, in fact, more distressing than the confirmation of an expected mis-
fortune. Then this violation of a pledged word — this perfidy to an
ally ! He perceived in the conduct of Siniavin a sort of presage for
the Emperor — perhaps a warning, for the Czar might have been
equally seen in it. To me it has always been inexplicable that a pro-
ceeding, not only so injurious to Junot, but so indefensible in a mili-
tary point of view, had not procured for its perpetrator the reward of

JUNOT'S RESOLUTION". 311

a journey to Tobolsk; such inconsistency in the cond ct of Alexander,
at the very moment of the conference of Erfurth, is perplexing.

Junot finding himself, by the Russian admiral's proceedings, left
at liberty to treat separately for himself, nominated General Keller-
mann to act for him. Sir George Murray was the representative of
the English general, and a convention was concluded upon the bases
already agreed upon, although the arrival of Sir John Moore, with the
troops under his command, had materially changed the respective
positions of the two armies. It is just to acknowledge that honour
and good faith characterized the dealings of the English officers. Not
withstanding the ability of General Kellermann many difficulties
arose ; upon which Junot observed : i I ask no favour. If I am
refused what I demand for my army, I retire upon Lisbon, blow up
the forts, burn the arsenal and the fleet, and, master of both banks of
the Tagus, I retreat upon Spain, leaving behind me terrible monu-
ments of my passage." I have heard him lament that he had not
executed this resolution : — and yet he would add, " I must have
starved my army, which would much more certainly have experi-
enced that fate, than on its march into Portugal. Under such circum-
stances, every alternative was disastrous." General Thiebault consid-
ered the plan to be impracticable, and his opinion, as chief of the staff,
necessarily had great weight in the ultimate decision. With respect to
blowing up the forts, and burning the fleet and the city, I believe
Junot to have been capable of doing it.

At length M. de la Grave, aide-de-camp to the Duke d'Abrantes,
quitted Lisbon, and arrived at Paris, after a voyage rendered tedious
by dreadful weather, early in October, bringing to the Emperor the
definitive convention which had been signed by the two generals-in-
chief on the 30th of August ; upon which Colonel Duncan had been
sent as an hostage to the Duke d'Abrantes, who gave up the adju-
tant-commandant Desrochcs to the English general in the same
capacity.

I Caving opened the letter which the same aide-de-camp brought to
me from Junot, I read with unbounded joy the copy it enclosed of this
glorious convention, the stamp of perhaps the finesl military achieve-
ments which the annals of our Revolution record. Le! its merits Ikj
judged of by a comparison with thai of Baylen!

Junot was expected to land at Rochelle or some neighbouring
port. I therefore Bet oul for thai place on the 4th of October, the day
after M. de Grave's arrival, taking with me Madame '\'- Grandsaigne,
wife of the firsl aide-de-camp to the Duke of Abrantes, but leaving
my children in 1'aii-. as I concluded my husband would return with

312 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

me. Alas! I knew not that the Emperor viewed matters through 2
medium quite at variance with mine.

On our meeting, Junot opened his heart to me, describing all that
he had suffered and was suffering. The Emperor had written him
some letters, excessively short, as usual, and in the last had told him,
he must never re-enter Paris without victory, to efface the remembrance
of Lisbon. The tears stood in his eyes as he repeated this expression.
"I believe," said he with bitterness, "that all Europe will judge me
differently. What could I do1?" Junot then unveiled a part of the
intrigues devised to injure him in the Emperor's estimation. It was
clear that the same persons who afterwards contributed to their mas-
ter'- ruin, were already paving the way to it, by detaching him from
his truest friends. Bessieres had been so repeatedly offended that he
was almost tempted to retire to his estates. So had Marshal Lannes.
Duroc began to be sensible of dependence, and Berthier to feel its full
force. In my opinion, this Convention of Cintra, obtained solely by
the moral force of the character Junot had acquired, was the counter-
part of the battle of Nazareth in Palestine, fought on the 8th of April,
1799, in which Junot, with three hundred Frenchmen, defeated the
advanced guard of the grand vizier, killed with his own hand Ayoub-
Bey, surnamed Abou-Sefl' (father of the sabre), and produced an incal-
culable moral effect on the two armies of the East.

The French army landed at Rochelle and various other points of
the coast. Junot arrived in the Nymph frigate, Captain Percy, whc
treated him with great attention. The fortune of war subsequently
afforded me an opportunity of discharging the debt in behalf of my
husband toward a relation of Captain Percy (an aide-de-camp I believe
to the Duke of Wellington), who was prisoner in Spain. Owing to
the opinion expressed by the Emperor, our joy on this re-union was
overclouded ; our intercourse had not its usual freedom ; — the future
lowered, we talked not of home. When I spoke of the alterations in
our hotel, Junot answered with bitterness : " What is it to me 1
I shall never see it."

We were one day at table, when he received a letter from Nantes,
announcing the arrest of M. de Bourmont, upon reading which, with a
countenance inflamed with rage, he uttered a terrible oath. "And I
had pledged him my word of honour that he might land in perfect
safety !" exclaimed he, rising in fury ; " this is a trick of M. Fouche.
But we will see who gains the day." Accordingly he wrote, and M.
cle Bourmont was released, but arrested again a few days afterwards;
on hearing which all my ascendancy over Junot was insufficient to
appease him ; he immedia ely set out full speed for Angouleme,

XAPOLEOX AND ALEXANDER. 313

through which town he had learned that the Emperor was to pass on
his return from Ert'urth. I knew that Savary would he there, and
though Duroe, Rapp, and Berthier, were also of the party, yet know-
ing Junot, I feared his violence of character, and dreaded the Emperor.
Nothing could detain him; my entreaties were of no avail. Alas!
Napoleon ill understood that strong yet tender spirit, so full of
energy, yet aa affectionate as that of an enamoured woman. On his
return to Rochelle the gloom of his brow had increased, though he
had obtained M. de Bourmont's admission into the military staff of
the army of Naples with the title of adjutant-general, as also the
Count de Novion's pension of six thousand francs ; the Emperor
accorded nearly all he desired. For instance, M. de Viomesnil, M. de
St. Mezard, and a number of officers of the old regime, who, remem-
bering that they were Frenchmen, refused to bear arms against their
country, though they had fled from France when her scaffolds were
thirsting for their blood, were indebted to Junot's interposition for
tin- termination of a fifteen years' exile. "Why, then," 1 asked, "are
you sad ( Was the Emperor unkind to you?" — "No," said he with
a forced Bmile, "but he was not kind." He was not to enter Paris,
the Emperor had repeated to him, but must first return to Lisbon.

The star of Napoleon Bonaparte, was at this time shining in the
zenith of its splendour. Alas! its radiance blinded him. The inter
view at Erfurth, in which the Emperor of Russia gave him so many
proofs of fraternal friendship, was a snare of destiny to lure him to his
ruin. One anecdote of this meeting is well known, but is too apposite
to this subject to be omitted here. When Talma in the part of
Philoctetes pronounced the line :

"The friendship <»f a great man is a gift of the gods!"

The Emperor Alexander, rising from his seat, threw himself into the

anus of Napoleon, with an emotion so manifest and sincere, that no one
could doubt the Bentimenl which excited it. I can guarantee the truth
of another, and there are Memoirs in existence which will perhaps one
day appear, and will confirm it. When ('.Mint Nicholas Romanzoff
came about thi-; time to Paris, he was assailed on the way both by
Austria and Prussia with arguments and inducements t<> join the
famous alliance, to which Swederi was already pledged; but the Rus-
sians, M. de Romanzoff, and before him M. de Tolstoy, wrere inviola-
ble in their fidelity, and turned ■■> deaf ear to all such remonstrances.
Another fact, apparently indifferent, perhaps eventual!) dee, . i
the desf'ny of Napoleon. Being one day in company with tho

314 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Emperor Alexander at Erfurth and conversing confidentially with
him as with a brother, Napoleon mentioned Ferdinand VII., spoke
of the uneasiness he occasioned him, of the trouble of detaining him
in captivity, and of his intrigues with dairy-maids (such kind of
amours being always odious to Napoleon, he alluded to them hi
disgust). The Russian Emperor looked significantly at him for some
moments, then smiling, turned away his head in a very eloquent
silence. — " Do you then possess a talisman for mastering this evil
genius ?" said Napoleon, laughing, observing that Alexander shrugged
his shoulders with contemptuous impatience. " Why, really," replied
the other, " when the captivity of an enemy is as inconvenient to the
conqueror as it must be annoying and wearisome to the conquered,
the best thing that can be done for both is to put an end to it."
Napoleon stood for a moment motionless, but made no reply. It is
certain that he did not adopt the counsel ; and that when in 1815 he
had to choose an asylum, this sentence of Alexander's recurred to his
memory ; and probably he likewise reverted to it when in 1814 I
sent him a message through the Duke de Rovigo, in consequence of
a long conversation that I had held with the Emperor of Russia, at
my hotel in the street of the Champs Elysees. which at that time 1
still occupied. Unfortunately, in 1808 and 1809, Napoleon was too
much the dupe of Alexander's friendship, and afterwards he had not
sufficient confidence in it. But such wras the constitution of his mind,
that neither his sentiments nor actions could ever accord with those
of other men.

After several weeks passed at Erfurth in discussing the destinies
and most serious interests of Europe, amidst the gayest and most
brilliant fgtes, Napoleon crossed France, only to march upon Spain,
and the Empress returned to Paris, to celebrate the commencement
of the new-year. The arch-chancellor gave her a ball in his gloomy
mansion of the Carousel, formerly the Hotel d'Elbeuf. I never knew
a fete given by Cambaceres to be gay, not even a fancy ball, however
inexplicable the cause ; but the present surpassed all its predecessors
in dullness, although d'Aigrefeuille, who acted as great chamberlain
and grand master of the ceremonies, was in himself, with his little
sparkling eyes, short, round, and singularly attired figure, a sufficient
provocation of laughter to all who beheld him. The arch-chancellor's
coronation robes had been made with a train mjch longer than the
Emperor chose to permit, and was consequently shortened. Camba-
ceres, who as every one knows loved economy, and had no objection
to dispense the munificence required by his accession to the title of
grand-dignitary without paying too dearly for it, made d'Aigrefeuille

M. DE METTERNICH. 315

a present of the velvet and ermine clippings from the curtailed
mantle. D'Aigrefeuille was enchanted, but as the parings of violet
velvet would have required too much seaming for a coat, he laid tli€
fur, ■which unfortunately coming from the extremity of the garment
affoTded no ermine tails, in numerous bands upon an old court dress
of sky-blue velvet which had belonged to his grandmother. This
grotesque habiliment, with its uniform whiteness, resembled that of
a cat or a rabbit, and, with the round, red, and jovial face of the fat
little man peering above it, was altogether irresistibly ludicrous.
The amusements were sombre, the Empress was serious, there was
a scarcity of ladies, war with Austria was talked of, and Count
Metternich, lately returned from Vienna, notwithstanding his habitual
courtesy, wore an air of constraint which his perfect politeness could
not entirely subdue.

Count Metternich had made a journey to Vienna towards the end
of November, under pretence (though in reality on affairs of the
utmost importance, announced previously to leaving Paris) that he
should not be more that two or three weeks absent. The Duke de
Cadore, forgetting than M. de Metternich was no way accountable to
him tbr his proceedings, thought fit, at this assembly, to rally him in
a half angry tone on his long procrastinated return. " Do you know,
sir," said he, " that we may reasonably take exception at this delay ;
and, indeed, though you still protest that your intentions are pacific,
we may justly construe it as a confirmation of the rumours pro-
mulgated by the English journals." — "I can only repeat to your
Excellency," replied M. de Metternich, "what I have frequently told
you on that head, that the Emperor, my master, desires to continue
at. peace with France. As tor the delay of my return, I assure you
it bad no other cause than the obstacle which the entrance of General
Oudinot's corps into Germany presents to the free egress by the
roads of Bavaria."

The acuteness and fine tact of this reply, hears the stamp of the
school of the Prince de Ligne. I afterwards asked M. de Metternich
if he had really made it ; he laughed, but gave me uo answer. " Did
you say bo?" I again asked. '-Should I have done amiss if I had !"
said he, still laughing. "Certainly not."— "Then probably 1 said so,
jut I do not remember it." The words, however, were actually his;

nid the Duke ,1,- Cadore had nol capacity to contend with this , lei

- of all that the i,i._r|, aristocracy can furnish of elegance and exquisite

polish, combined with the mosl perfect and unembarrassed assurance.

M. ,1,. Metternich must have stood high in the estimation of the

Count de Standion, then al the bead of the Austrian counsels, to b«

316 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

selected as ambassador to Napoleon in the then circumstances of
Austria; and already did the fair-haired ambassador display symp-
toms of that talent which gives him his present supremacy amongst
the steersmen of the European state vessel. The Emperor Napo-
leon's opinion of him, at first erroneous, was corrected ; but it was
then too late, the mischief was irreparably done. He had been
treated at court with a :oldness that showed no friendly intentions.
As an instance amongst others of the disrespect he experienced, his
Countess was once, on a grand court day, neither invited to sup with
the Empress nor with either of the Princesses ; to complete this
insult, an article was inserted in the Moniteur, under diplomatic
auspices, detailing an imaginary conversation between the ambassador
and the Duke de Cadore, which certainly never occurred, while the
former, in demanding the cause of the slight offered to his lady, is
made to appear in a most ridiculous light.

M. de Metternich, thus publicly humiliated, annoyed in his do-
mestic privacy, attacked in his most valuable privileges, deceived
in all he had a right to expect from the justice of a sovereign whom
he approached under a title sacred even amongst savages, wounded
in his dearest affections when his wife and children were detained as
hostages in Paris, his very life menaced, constrained to fly like a
criminal in a carriage with closed blinds, must have been more or
less than man, could he have excluded resentment from his bosom.
He became the irreconcileable enemy of Erance ; whereas, dazzled
by Napoleon's ascendant genius, he might have been irresistibly
impelled by the same charm which inthralled the Emperor Alexander.
Austria declared war against us at that sinister moment, when our
political horizon was darkening on the side of Italy, and the Emperor
was seeking victory in the mountains of the Asturias. Napoleon's
parting words to the legislative body, when joining his army in eager
pursuit of the English, were, " They have at length invaded the
continent.''''

His anticipations of victory were justified by the event ; he saw
the leopards of England fly before him the moment he appeared :
Moore and his troops were destroyed by his all conquering legicr =i
Why then did he not stay tc complete the conquest of Spain \

THE EMPEROR'S PROMISE TO JUNOT. 311

CHAPTER XXXII.

Tlie Emperor's promise to Junot — Berthier's letters — Junot's departure for
Saragossa — Siege of Saragossa — Its horrors — Junot's wounds — The Em-
peror's unkindness — Reduction of Saint Joseph — Napoleon's unreasonable
complaint — General Thiebault summoned to head-quarters— His remarkable
interview with the Emperor — Napoleon's return to Paris — .Sinister fore-
bodings— Exile of Mesdames de Stael and Recamier — Madao e Recamier'a
refusal to be the Emperor's friend — Fouelie's interposition — Extraordinary
note — Fouchu's ambitious projects.

To return to Junot. In the momentary opportunity that he had to
converse with the Emperor at Angouleme, he said to him: "Sire,
the only favour that I solicit from your Majesty, is to send me again
to Lisbon. Let me replace with glory on its walls those eagles
which I brought thence undisgraced. I entreat you, Sire, suffer me
to return to Lisbon." The Emperor promised, and appointed him to
the command of the 8th division, formed of the same troops which
had evacuated Portugal in consequence of the Convention, and were
inflamed with desire to reconquer their lost title of the army of
Portugal; while Junol himself, not humiliated, but sensibly distressed
by his retreat, had never so ardently longed, as he expressed it, to
draw a trir/r/er. lie hastened bis departure; and the Prince of
Neufchatel wrote to him on the 16th from the Emperor's head*
quarters at Chamartin, a league distant from Madrid, an order to
pp.pair to Burgos, there to colled and organize his forces and supplies
with all expedition ; and, in ease of nerd, to support Soull at Saldana;
including with, "You will not, however, M. le Due, march to ihu
rupport of the Marshal unless you yourself consider such n movement
absolutely necessary. Your first care will be to disarm the country
and to maintain its tranquillity," etc. Tliis letter was despatched in
duplicate — a precaution already rendered necessary bj t h« ■ frequent
capture of couriers by the Guerilla chiefs, Don Julian the capuchin,
and the elder Mina.

The following is a second letter received by Junot, dated also
from Chamartin the verj next day, and beneath 'he date is inserted^
in the autograph of Berthier, the word noon.

318 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

" Chamartin, 17 December, 1808,
Noon.

" The Emperor commands, M. le General, Duke of Abrautes
that you set out personally, instantly on the receipt of this letter,
attended only by your aide-de-camp, and repair to Saragossa, where
you will take the chief command of the 3d division, now under the
command of the Duke of Conegliano, his Majesty having thought
proper to summon that Marshal to the Imperial head-quarters, in
order to appoint him to another destination. The chief of your staff
of the 8th division will remain with that division, and General
Harispe will remain with the 3d. The Duke \ f Conegliano has
orders to bring with him only his aides-de-camp ; you will therefore
find the staff, commissariat, artillery and engineer Department of that
army complete. You will leave the provisional command of the 8th
division to the senior general. You will likewise leave all the staff
officers, the engineers, artillery and commissariat, in their present
state. Before you advance to Portugal Sara,gossa must fall. His
Majesty, M. le Due, confers on you the command of Navarre, Pam-
peluna, and the 3d division. The Duke de Treviso is at this moment
before Saragossa. He is specially instructed to cover the siege of
that city on the side of Barcelona, and of Catalonia. You, M. le
Due, are directed with the 3d division, now placed under your com.
mand, to besiege Saragossa, and reduce it. I give you notice that
General Guillemont, and Adjutant General Loucet, are marching
with four thousand miquelets or mountain chasseurs by the valley
of Arragon upon Jaca. This corps is at your disposal. His Majesty
recommends you to leave in Pampeluna no more than the garrison
absolutely requisite for the defence of the town and citadel, in order to
strengthen, as much as possible, the besieging corps before Saragossa.

" You will find herewith the order to the Duke of Conegliano to
surrender into your hands the comma-nd of the 3d division, of which
he is to be informed only by yourself, and in person ; you will sef
the importance of this necessary disposition to prevent a moment'^
lapse or uncertainty in the command.

"Press the siege of Saragossa vigorously. You will find General
Lacoste, the Emperor's aide-de-camp, very useful ; he is well ac
quainted with the country.

" The Prince of Neufchatel, Vice Constable,

Major-General to the Emperor,

Alexander.

" P. S. You need not take any gens-d'armes of the 8th division ;
?et out with your aides-de-camp only."

HORRORS OF THE SIEGE OF SARaGOSSA. 319

The style of this letter is worthy of remark. It was dictated by
the Emperor himself; he alone could thus mask his breach of pro-
mise under this necessity of reducing Saragassa. The glory thrown
in as a bait to one who loved it to distraction — then the. command of
Navarre and Pampeluna — this letter is ingeniously devised.

Junot set out for Saragossa with an oppressed heart ; but I wil
venture to say the Emperor was in error in not sending him to Por
lugal with the 8th division : that army was recruited by him and
attached to its chief, and every member of it regarded Lisbon as an
Eden*

Junot's letters from the siege of Saragossa, if the successive at-
tack of every house can be called a siege, were truly distressing.
While the plague, which raged within the city, extended its ravages
also beyond the walls, and continually forced upon the commander
the hear; breaking spectacle of his soldiers perishing at his feet from
a disease more mortal than the balls of the enemy, a fresh house was
every day assaulted, which the Spaniards defended from room to
room ; and every foot of ground conquered was the grave of a
Frenchman or a Spaniard. "I cannot endure this sight," wrote
Junot. " I want a heart of stone, or rather I should have no heart."
Armand of Fuontes, one of our most intimate friends, was a prisoner
in Saragossa, and Palafox, to whom he was related, had closely con
fined him to shelter him from the popular fury : the melancholy tone
of the letter, in which Junot informed me thai he had acquired this
information, showed me how much he dreaded the idea of springing
a mine under the feel of his friend. He had undertaken this siege
against his will, and with a disinclination that pervaded every art and
event connected with it, and affected his health; he suffered acutely
from his wounds, especially from thai which graced his left cheek,
and those in his head generally.

In the month of January he wrote to me: "There are moments
in which I am tempted to blow oul my brains. If mj hand was not
withheld by a remembrance of thee and of my children, one touch of
the trigger would terminate my Bufferings." This letter terrified me,
but I did not yet know all. The Emperor would nol endure an
hour's delay in the execution of his commands, and he had said ■ "Go

* I Inv.' ili'' p-'-nl!. .'i inn r.f ii,.;ir Lisbon ' of her bine sky— -the perfun f

tlio orange — her cool and luxurious shades —her savour) fruit: —her life of
love and idleness -and her easy indifference, a hundred times preferable to the
raveninir and objectless activity which consumes us under our lead*
where wc ha eithoul Bun, flowers without odour, and fruits without

flavour.

320 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

to Saragossa, and' take the city." Saragossa was then at any price to
be reduced ; but it had not yet fallen, and each conquered stone of
the fortified houses was purchased with a portion of the best blood
of France. The short dry tone of the Emperor's letters speedily
intimated his dissatisfaction at the delay ; yet Junot had taken the
convent of Saint Joseph, transformed by the Spania: ds into a terrible
redoubt.

Yet did the Emperor, with reports before him addressed directly
to himself, detailing the result of every operation, showing that the
troops were daily led against houses whence, under safe cover, fell
showers of balls, complain that this siege was not at once brought to
a close. Oh ! it is painful to reflect on the miser)7 thus inconsider
ately inflicted on an ardent and affectionate heart like Junot's, which
was as much grieved as revolted by such injustice.

After the Emperor had despatched Junot to Saragossa, he sum-
moned to the Imperial head-quarters all the general officers who had
belonged to the army of Portugal. The following account of General
Thiebault's audience was written by himself for these Memoirs.

" Having been ordered to repair to the head-quarters at Valla-
dolid, I arrived there at the moment the Emperor was going to the
parade, and followed him thither. General Legendre, ex-chief of
General Dupont's staff, was also present, and it was there that the
Emperor asked him : ' How is it that your hand did not wither in
thus signing the disgrace of France V There seemed to be a fatality
in the coincidence of our arrival, since there was an analogy, though
no identity in our situations. I knew I could be reproached with
sacrificing nothing to the preservation of waggon loads of corrupt
gold ; but still I was the ex-chief of the staff of an army, which, in
yielding to the enemy a country it was entrusted to defend, had saved
only appearances. I congratulated myself, therefore, on receiving no
order during this parade, and was walking contentedly to my lodg-
ings, when General Savary overtook me, and said, ' The Emperor
orders vou to be at his quarters in a quarter of an hour.' While
preparing to appear before Napoleon, under circumstances of mo-
ment, although I had nothing on my own part to justify, it »vas im-
possible to wave the question, How am I to act with regard to the
Duke of Abrantes 1 I could not deceive myself so far as to deny
that in military matters there had been mistakes in Portugal, which,
however, could not all be imputed to him ; while his devotion to the
Emperor and the service was unbounded. He was calumniated and
denounced by such men as Loison, Hermann, etc., etc., whom he had
loaded with riches. Napoleon, even at Valladolid, was surrounded

GENERAL THIEBAULT AND NAPOLEON. 321

by the Duke'3 enemies, amongst whom Savarv must be numbered.
I should have gratified many of them by contributing my mite of
calumny against him, but in so doing 1 must have disgraced myself;
for besides, it is always dishonourable to inculpate a commander in
the opinion of the sovereign. I loved the Duke of Abrantes, and
was under obligations to him ; but could I have cancelled both these
considerations, my resolution would have been the same, — to under-
take his defence.

" When I entered the great hall of the Palace of the Inquisition,
of which the Emperor occupied the first floor, Napoleon was travers-
ing it in the width between the fireplace and the middle window, and
as he stood till I approached him, and then resumed his promenade,
I walked beside him during the hundred minutes of a conversation
of which I here give some fragments. ' Well,' said he, prefaced only
by Good morning, sir, 'so you capitulated with the English, and
evacuated Portugal !' — 'Sire, the Duke of Abrantes yielded only to
necessity, and forced an honourable treaty from men who, if com-
manded by him. would not even have granted us a capitulation.' —
'The events of Lisbon were the necessary result of the affair of Vi
miera. It was there, sir, that you should have defeated the enemy,
and not have committed such serious errors.'*

" I comprehended that the Emperor was resolved not to name
the Duke of Abrantes, and therefore 1 did not regard the you, when
addressed to myself, as any thing personal ; on the other hand, aware
that the tactics of that battle could not be defended, I felt it better t<>
be silent than to enter into discussion with him. I If continued,
' And pray, sir, where did you learn to attack in front an enemy who
occupies a formidable position '. You might as well take a bull t>v
the horns, or knock your bead against a wall. Did Marshal Soult
proceed thai way at Corunna? No! he turned the enemy, and drove
him out of the peninsula.' 'Sire, Marshal Soult, at Corunna, was
opposed to an enemy, who, incapable of maintaining himself in
Spain, was hastening to embark, and whose forces were continually
diminished, while those, of the Marshal were increasing l>v the buo
cessive arrival of fresh corps. The Duke of Abrantes, on the other
nand, unable to retain Portugal, engaged al Viraiera an enemy who
during the battle, and beyond the possibility of auch an even! being
anticipated, was reii: forced by live thousand men, who were disem«

* Napoleon'g delicacy in Dover mentioning the name of Junot during tin
whole course of this conference, and <>f lii-t reproaches to Genera] Thiebaul^
surprises me, and would have sensibly affected my husband.
60

322 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

barked within sight of his camp. And if the Duke of Abrantes
could not force the position of Vimiera, neither did Marshal Soult
prevent the embarkation of the English army.* As for the manoeu-
vre you have done me the honour to point out, Sire, new examples)
are unnecessary to the demonstration of that great maxim for ever
established by your Majesty's immortal campaigns — that an enemy
may be annihilated by force, but is defeated by skill.' A short
silence ensued, the Emperor looking at me : — ' Besides, sir, is it with
fragments of your army that you should meet an enemy 1 You had
twenty-six thousand men, and fought with ten thousand ! And that
because you had scattered more than twelve thousand men at Pe-
niche, at Almeida, at Elvas, at Santarem, at Lisbon, in the fleet, and
on both banks of the Tagus.' "

General Thiebault declares that he was confounded to find that
the Emperor knew this report by heart, though contained in more
than a hundred pages.

" ' I am entirely mistaken, Sire, or the separation of nearly the
whole of these brigades and garrisons from the main army, was
inevitable; and if your Majesty will suffer me to submit a few obser-
vations to your consideration, I presume that you will find in them a
justification of the Duke of Abrantes.' His silence authorizing me
to proceed, I added, — 'The English army that was disembarked on
the coast had no place of refuge, and, on the loss of a single battle,
would have been under the necessity of abandoning their baggage and
wounded. So situated, the acquisition of Peniche was important to
General Wellesley ; and for the same reason it was incumbent on
General Junot to prevent their taking it, more especially as the
peninsula is as easy of defence as difficult of attack ; and Peniche lost,
Sire, it is evident that all must have been over with us in the north
of Portugal. It was to such considerations that the Duke of Abrantes
yielded, in leaving eight hundred Swiss there. Your Majesty had
ordered that all vessels in sea-worthy condition should be repaired
and armed. We had already one of eighty guns, a second ready to
join the squadron, two frigates of fifty guns, and a third on the
stocks, besides a few brigs and corvettes. These vessels, Sire, were
necessary not only for defending the mouth of the Tagus, and sup-
porting the Russian fleet against any enterprise of the English blocka-

* Above all, he could not prevent its return ; and the second campaign of
Portugal should be considered in conjunction with this conversation, in order
to the justification of my husband from the imputations which it might b«
oupposed to cast ipon him.

GENERAL THIEBAULT AND NAPOLEON. 323

ding squadron, but also to guard the pontoons occupied by the Spanish
troops we had disarmed, and to keep Lisbon in check. In such criti
cal circumstances, the ships could not be left to their crews; this was
the reason for having placed there one thousand men : I will say
nothing of the forts.' — 'The forts must be defended. But what
necessity for pushing two thousand men to the left bank of the Ta-
gus?' — 'Sire, that measure was suggested by considerations of equal
delicacy and importance. Eight Russian vessels, under the command
of Admiral Siniavin, were blockaded in the Tagus. The only good
anchorage in that road is near the left bank, which was covered with
insurgents, increasing daily in numbers and hardihood, who, had that
bank been evacuated by us, would soon have been reinforced by
detachments from the English vessels ; and as they would have lost
no time in bringing guns to bear, the situation of the Russian fleet
must have been untenable, and the difficulties of our own situation in
consequence greatly aggravated. What complaints, Sire, would that
admiral, in such a case, have addressed to his court! An admiral,
who, moreover, only sought an excuse to make common cause with
the English. May he not have speculated on surrendering, and im-
puting that step to a wilful desertion? And how much would the
Duke of Abrantes have been distressed to have furnished him with
such a pretext, or to have occasioned any grievance to the Emperor
Alexander. Political motives, therefore, decided our military ar-
rangements.'

"To this the Emperor made no reply, and walked for some time
in silence.* At length he said, 'And Santarem V I could find DO
excuse f >r the thousand left there, and was silent in my turn, wishing
only to defend where I could incontestable convince. 'And Lisbon ?'
— 'Our position, our resources, our security, Sire, all depended on
the possession of that city.' — 'Capitals, sir, are always guided by
events. Conquerors at Vimiera, you would on the field of battle
have secured the tranquillity of Lisbon.' — 'That may 1"' the ease,
Sire, in regular, bul not in popular wars.' (Another hok.) 'In the
latter, Sin', the capital is always the most dangerous and most diffi-
cult to restrain. And when, like Lisbon, it constitutes an important
pari of the stair, to abandon it is to lose all its resources, and every
.- . 1 1 1 ■ r dependence with it.' Again he fixed his eyes on me in silence.
Then advanced a few steps, and at length said, ' Bul Elvas, sir, — and
Almeida, what need was there of garrisons there?' 'Weexpected

• TIih (>]>iiiiii'-w to conviction, wlion pressed QpOIl bits l>v (lie fore.; of truth
is a:i important trait in In1* elm meter.

324 NAPOLEON, HIS COUET AND FAMILY.

succour, Sire ; General Dupont's division appeared to be marching
on Lisbon, either to secure the possession of Portugal, to open a
retreat for us, or to command the west of Spain. This division
could reach us only through Almeida or Elvas. To abandon these
fortresses, therefore, comprised the abandonment of the entire prov-
inces in which they are situated. So, at least, the Duke of Abrantes
judged.'

" Thes- reasons being admitted, and other questions or subjects
furnishing me with an opportunity of enlightening the Emperor with
regard to the Duke of Abrantes, I described the distress he suffered,
under the fear of displeasing or grieving his Majesty, and perceived
that the Emperor listened with satisfaction ; and, as if pleased with
the part I had acted, was thenceforward much more unreserved. The
new campaign which the Emperor was about to open in Portugal,
under the auspices of Marshal Soult, served as a theme for continuing
the conversation. In describing the itinerary the Marshal was to
follow, his Majesty observed : — ' It is substituting the crossing of
rivers for that of mountains.' In fact, the line of Gallicia embraces
the crossing of the Minho, the Douro, the Vouga, and the Mondego.
' Sire,' I answered, ' the passage of the most formidable rivers is pre-
ferable to that of the mountains in Beira and the Tras os Monies.
The difficulties of the passage of rivers, and the means of surmounting
those difficulties, are equally well known. But those which these
mountains present are incalculable. And let me have the honour to
add, that Marshal Soult, in following the itinerary your Majesty is
pleased to point out, will always march by practicable and beaten
roads ; that he will be surrounded by abundance, in a country where
he has ample room for manoeuvring ; and in crossing the three prin-
cipal rivers will be supported by three strong cities ; Tuy, Oporto,
and Coimbra.' He was pleased with a reply so entirely in accordance
with the plans he had traced, and, on the whole, appeared satisfied
with the interview."

The Emperor once more returned to Paris, after having defeated
Sir John Moore, taken Madrid, and, as he believed, chastised the
Spaniards. The brilliancy of his court was great, but more clouded
by fears and anxieties than the preceding year. War, war, was the
universal text of the Emperor. Cardinal Maury, M. de Cheval,
Count Louis de Nai'my, the physician Halley, Millin, all my friends,
conversed on coming events with an anxiety that alarmed me. All
agreed that the dangers of the northern war would be increased ten-
fold by that of Spain. Alas! I knew it but too well, and saw around
me nothing but uneasiness, and the troubles of many immediate

MADAME RECAMIER. 325

friends. Junot was at this time interested in the exile of Madame de
Stael and Madame Recamier, because, at the request of the former,
and convinced that the Emperor might by mildness have converted
her into a partizan as useful as her enmity would be dangerous, he
had made every effort to soften him in her favour, till Napoleon, in a
rage, exclaimed, "So! you too are going to ally yourself with my
enemies." — " It is extraordinary," said Junot one day to me, when
speaking of the exile, " that the Emperor, who knows enough of my
heart to be assured that my blood and life are at his service, will re-
proach me and you with his enemies! His enemies are mine, with
only this difference, that I desire no vengeance on my own, while I
would exterminate his."

Madame Rccamier's exile was shortly after this announced pub-
licly, in consequence of her visit to Coppet ; and occasioned sensa-
tions to Junot such as he doubtless little expected to have experienced
from any of the Emperor's acts; yet such was, at this moment, the
delicacy of his situation, that he dared not, or only dared tremblingly,
to question so unjust a proceeding. "Laura," he once wrote to me,
" my heart is oppressed and sick, when I think of the exile of Ma-
dame Recamier. I told you long ago that I had once passionately
loved her: my friendship is now only that of a brother, but united
with a sentiment of respectful admiration. She is so superior a
being! I thank you for appreciating her. You know she does you
equal justice, and cherishes for you the attachment 1 should have so
much rejoiced in. I had hoped to bring you together next, spring!
and how are my wishes frustrated? alas! by a blow which renders
desolate the future existence of an unfortunate woman, who deserves
the homage of all who pronounce her name. My Laura, I conjure
yon to see the Empress — see Queen Hortense— see the Emperor — ■
but no, you must not speak to him. Alas! how can he who is so
just, so great, so remarkable lor goodness — how can he voluntarily
oppress a feeble woman!" Madame Recamier deserved all the
eulogies Junot, poured upon her: not he only, but Murat. Eugene,
Bernadotte, Massena, and many other brave and loyal French patriots
regarded her with real friendship, and proclaimed her the best as
well as the met beautiful of women. My own friendship for her is
founded on the conviction thai the mi,,! noble and generous Benti
ments animated her pure heart.

There are circumstances in her history, the importance of which
her almost infantine innocence was perhaps incapable of fully dis-
cerning. M. Recamier, before his reverse of fortune, wishing his
wife to enjoy all the pleasures natui-a 'o her age, gave her a country

326 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMIL"?

house at Clichy, to which the hest society of Paris in medhuelj
flecked, and Madame Recamier, in the full blaze of beauty, — young,
gay, and happy, thought only of benevolence and amusement. But
the serpent found access to this Eden, and to its pure and beautiful
Eve. Fouche presented himself, and his station ensured his admis-
sion. He soon invited her to accept the post of lady of honour to the
Empress. — " I have no inclination for it," she replied in a soft and
insinuating tone, as though fearful by too positive a refusal to provoke
the vengeance of covert power; for she did not suppose the Emperor
a stranger to the intrigue. — "That is the answer of a child," rejoined
Fouche ; " consider the Emperor's situation, he wants a guide, a
female friend — and where can he find one? Amongst the wives of
his generals % That is impossible, it would excite scandal." — " And
why are you so obliging as to imagine that scandal would spare me?"
— "The case is quite different. You are, to be sure, as young as any
of them ; but your marriage, and the station in which it places you,
has established your reputation; it is pure and unblemished. You
are privileged to be the Emperor's friend, for it is a friend and not a
mistress that he wants;" and so saying his little twinkling eyes ran
over the figure of the young Psyche, while her countenance beamed
with native modesty, intelligence, and sweetness.

" I know the cravings of the Emperor's heart," he added, " I know
he is unhappy at not being understood, and that he would gladly
exchange hours of victory and noisy acclamations which play round
the ear without reaching the heart, for a few minutes of social and
confidential converse. He is weary too of daily encountering scenes
of jealousy, from whicn the pure and sacred connexion I wish to see
established between you and him would be exempt." — " But," ob
jected Madame Recamier, quite unconvinced by these prolound
arguments, " how can I ascertain that it would be agreeable to the
Emperor that I should accept this situation ; but especially how
would it please the Empress, whose whole household is named, that I
should displace either her niece or her friend, Madame de Laroche-
foucauld. But moreover, shall I tell you, I love my liberty." — " I
recommend nothing to you that will interfere with your liberty ; you
are not requested to undertake any burdensome duty. Your post in
the household will be that of the Empress's friend, but particularly
the Emperor's. The friend of Napoleon ! the friend of the Emperor!
consider a little ! reflect on my proposition, and I am certain, if you
are not prejudiced, your noble and generous soul will accept it with
delight."

Madame Recamier was a mortal, and it must be acknowledged

MADAME RECAMIER. 327

that the friendship of Napoleon was at tha time an ignis fatuul
capable of dazzling any being not wholly ethe'eal, even to ruin. The
idea of swaying with a kindly influence the destinies of so many mil-
lions of men — of sometimes arresting a devastating torrent — might
well extort a smile ! Seduction is ingenious: the serpent, like that of
Paradise, displayed his shining scales of purple, azure, and gold. His
syren voice spoke music ; and never was temptation more cunningly
presented to the female heart.

While these discussions were pending, Madame Recamier received
an invitation from one of the Emperor's sisters to breakfast at her
hotel. There the conversation turned on friendship, and the charms
of such a sentiment between a man and a pure and virtuous woman.
— " The Emperor is worthy of such happiness," said the Princess,
' and fully capable of appreciating it ; but he has no such friend. And
how is one to be selected for him from amongst the multitude of out
court ladies?"

Shortly afterwards the Princess inquired whether Madame Reca-
mier liked the theatres, and which she preferred. She was partial, she
replied to the French Comedy. " Oh ! then," said the Princess, " my
box is at your service, it is in the lower tier, therefore requires no cere-
mony of dress; promise me to make use of it." Madame Recamier
promised, and the next morning received the following note : —

"The managers of the French Comedy are informed that her Im-
perial Highness the Princess * * * gives Madame Recamier admission
toh<r box. They are likewise informed, that when Madame Recamier
uses the box she is to choose her own company ; and that no person is
to be admitted, even though a member of the Princess's or the G . . . .
D 's household, without Madame Keeamier's special per-
mission. L >'s-

"Secretary of her Imperial Highness the Princess."

Ma. lame Recamier's unsuspecting mind received a new light from
viic perusal <>f this billel ; sin- returned thanks, hut never made use of
it. The box faced tin- Emperor's. Will it now be said thai inch take
no revenge 1 I hope, .and would fain believe, thai the Emperor was
not concerned in all this. Bui Fouche b) promoting her exile, re*
venged the overthrow of manj ambitious projects. He would gladly
have restored the halcyon days of Louis XIII. or of Louis XIV. and
Mademoiselle de la Fayette; and himself, by retracing one step only,
might have enacted a second Pere Lachaise, though I believe ihu
reil satin would hive ! een more ogreeabh to his inclinations.

328 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

CHAPTEK XXXIIi.

New tampa-gn in Germany— Battle of Austerlitz — Bombardment of Vienna-
Death of Marshal Lannes — The Roman states annexed to the French empire
— Bull of excommunication — Marshal Soult determines to accept the attri-
butes of roj'alty — New disasters in Portugal — Captain Schiller and the
Countess W — g — . — General Danube — Prince Eugene at Leoben — Peace with
Austria — The Emperor's return — Opinion at Paris — Inauspicious omens.

While I was wandering amongst the lovely valleys of the Pyrenees,
whither I had been ordered by my physicians, the plains of Germany
were again ensanguined with war, and her furrows visited with those
disastrous scourges, whose aggravated wounds were reserved with fear-
ful usury for us. Massena was crossing the Inn, burning Scharding
and reviving in our memories the hero of Genoa and Rivoli. Napo-
leon himself sowed the laurel seed before all his generals, leaving
them only the trouble of stretching out their hands to reap the harvest.
The Emperor was a thunderbolt of war at the commencement of that
campaign. Enraged that the enemy had the audacity, though trem-
blingly, to forestal him, he rushed upon them with the fury of a lion,
and if I may use the expression, sawed the Austrian army asunder ;
compelling it to retreat precipitately and in confusion amongst the
defiles of the Bohemian mountains; where incessantly harassed by
the swift succeeding strokes of that ponderous club which the fair and
delicate hand of Napoleon so efficiently wielded, they could scarcely
for ten days recover breath to fly before him who again commanded
the ancient ramparts of Vienna to bow down. This campaign, how-
ever, was not like that of Austerlitz, crowned with laurels interspersed
with flowers : mourning followed in the train of triumph, and every
bulletin plunged a thousand families in tears! for Napoleon's puissant
voice could still command the soldier to march ! and he marched — to
die ! and he died. The forty-sixth regiment of the line marched from
Scharding to Ebensberg, a distance of twenty -six leagues, in five and
thirty hours.

We frequently received letters from head-quarters, and the army
was still advancing. Vienna resolved on defence, and sustained a
Bevere bombardment for thirty hours; but the attention of the Aulie

BULL OF EXCOMMUNICATION". 329

council was directed less to fortifying than provisioning the capital ;
for when taken, she furnished supplies sufficient, as one of our inspec-
tors declared, for a whole campaign. The Archduke Charles met Na-
poleon at the battle of Essling; and death was rile in both armies;
ours lost its bravest chief in Marshal Lannes. The butchery was hor-
rible. The Archduke proclaimed a loss on his own side of four thou-
sand three hundred killed and twelve thousand wounded. From this
admission of the enemy, generally below the truth, our loss may be
estimated.

From Vienna was issued the Imperial decree for annexing the
Roman states to the French empire, leaving to the Pope the choice of
residing at Rome, and a revenue of two millions of francs. The Em-
peror had long vehemently declaimed against the danger of a foreign
Prince exercising spiritual authority in France. Besides, it was argued
that the Roman states were bestowed by Charlemagne and only
resumed by Napoleon. Pius VII., forgetting that himself had conse-
crated the head he now devoted to perdition, fulminated a bull of ex-
communication. " Let monarchs once more learn that by the law of
Jesus Christ they are subjected to our throne, and owe obedience to
our commands ; for we also bear sovereign sway, but it is a far more
noble sovereignty," etc. Alas! the avenging blow which at last too
surely struck him, came in a more substantial shape than this impo-
tent bull. It is inexplicable, or to be. explained only by the dizziness
which such stupendous and still extending power produced, that the
Emperor, aware of the situation of Spain, should at such a time have
courted new difficulties, by violating the domicile of St. Peter, fir the
futile ambition of appointing prefects of the Tiber and the Rhine!
Ah! how dearly did he pay for that pale and melancholy glory!
I low are his laurels soiled, how gloomy is their verdure ! Policy must,
not he arrested in its course! True! Neither could that fatality
which swept onwards to his destruction, when in L814 an unequal
struggle against overwhelming numbers too sadly convinced him how
costly was (lie sacrifice of four hundred thousand men to (lie demon
o' fanaticism in Spain.

Meanwhile the French armj in Arragon, thanks to the condition
in which Junol had left it, obtained some success. General Suchet,
who fully justified Junot's expectations, completely defeated General
Blake at Belchitte. The adventure of the second expedition to Portu*
gal happened about the same time; I call it an "adventure," because
the foots were perfectly romantic. Thai gleam of ambition, (lie undo*

fined shadow of which was thrown across his path by one of l>is cap*
tains, \\;is one of the most extraordinary incidents Of' \:ipoleoiiV

330 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

reign. A member of the English parliament justly observed, that H
was the policy of the English government to support, or even to incite
the inclinations of Souk ; to place in his hand and on his head the
attributes of royalty. In the English work of Colonel Napier, this
important affair is passed over in one line, just declaring that there is
no truth in it. The colonel, I am persuaded, drew his materials from
an authentic source; and had he condescended to communicate them,
they would doubtless have proved as satisfactory to his readers as to
himself: but he will excuse my objecting, that a single line is inade-
quate to such an affair.

There exists a biography of Marshal Soult, published at Brussels,
under the fictitious name of Julien, though its real author is an
eminently gifted friend of the Marshal's, which gives a totally different
version of the -story, asserting that the Emperor in delivering his
final instructions told the Marshal : " Monsieur le Marechal, the Duke
of Abrantes, by my order, has declared that the house of Braganza
had ceased to reign. Repeat the proclamation ; and if for the preser-
vation of Portugal it is necessary to give her a new dynasty, I shall
see yours with pleasure." This version may be correct, and is even
plausible, but it should either have been suppressed or supported by
substantia] proof. Those, however, who were about the Emperor at
Schoenbrunn, when Loison arrived, and related, with the venom of a
serpent, the whole disastrous history of Soult's army, well know the
effect the news produced upon him ; he turned pale and was seized
with one of those nervous affections to which he was occasionally sub-
ject. Subsequently, in the course of the same day, he spoke of the
affair in a tone of raillery which he certainly could not have adopted
had he been its instigator ; and said laughing, but with that bitter
laugh, that was for from embellishing his expressive countenance: —
" Ah ! ah ! — King of Portugal ! — yes — King of Portugal, truly ! —
Nicholas 1st — Is not his name Nicholas? — Nicholas ! — it should rather
have been Nicodemus!" Some people have affected to deny this
whole scene, because the Emperor could not call Soult Nicholas, when
his real name was John. Did he really believe the name to be Nicho-
las, or did he merely choose to place it in juxtaposition with that of
Nicodemus. This question I cannot resolve, but I can positively
vouch for the words.

Alas ! we had not yet done with that unhappy Portugal ; another
army was yet to be engulphed in that all devouring abyss. When
accompanying my husband into Spain, the evidence of my own senses
confirmed the frightful disasters of Soult's retreat, which one of my
best friends, then colonel of a cavalry regiment, had painted to me ir

THE DEATH OF LAXNES. 331

colours which made me shudder and weep with pity and indignation.
This retreat contrasted well with the convention of Cintra, and showed
the relative abilities of onr chiefs under their respective ciroum.
stances. It is indeed boasted that we did not negotiate the second time

— but the alternative is something like that of the Countess W g,

in the campaign of Sobieski, who being young and beautiful, the Turks
waylaid her on her road to Bavaria with the design of presenting her
to the .Grand Vizier. ''But I escaped them," said she triumphantly,
'•' the Turks did not even see me." — " And how did you manage it?"
— •' I encountered Captain Schiller, who detained me six weeks with
him." — This famous Captain of pandours made little distinction be-
tween friends and enemies in affairs of gallantry.

The death of Marshal Lannes created a great impression, not only
in the army, but throughout Europe. But in France, probably this
misfortune was less felt than it would have been, had it occurred at
any other time. The battle of Essling was one of those fatal occasions
in which death strikes with such multiplied and indiscriminate blows,
ihat, in the universality of private grief, a public loss, such as that of
Marsha] Lannes, makes less impression. The Emperor had been
warmly attached to Lannes, but he had also been often offended by
him : and now perhaps involuntarily showed that his regret was that
of the sovereign for a man of talent, and that as a friend he was
little affected. He even jested upon the battle of Essling ; observing,
that the Austrians had this day met with an ally they had not
reckoned upon: and that General Danube had proved himself tin-
best officer of this army. It was to the destruction of the bridges
that the Emperor referred ; but I knew not why, 1 never could accus-
tom myself to his forced laugh; there was no mirth in it, neither was
there any thing ridiculous. — ! feci, even in the recollection of it, as in
an unnatural atmosphere. 1 seem to breathe with difficulty, and only
recover from the oppression by looking up and contemplating him on
the summit of thai column, forged from the hostile cannons which he
threw so lavishly into the furnace.

Still victory was faithful to our arms. Prince Eugene beat
FcllachLh at Leoben, a place equally memorable to Austria and
Napoleon. The consequence of this riotory was the easy junction
of the armies of Germany and Italy.

Iii France great uneasiness was fell respecting the grand army.
The Emperor suffered nothing to arrive bul what, it, was his pleasure
to send; and every one knew thai the words of the bulletins were

not to be taken for gospel. I was at, the lime in the Pyrenees, and

bad more authentic information than was generall} possessed, heeausc

332 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

my letters came direct from Germany, and I read no newspaper. 1
had regular communications from Junot, who commanded the Saxon
and Bavariai troops, but I kept them to myself when they did not
agree with Ine bulletins; as in the case of the battle of Essling.
Prince Eugene's victory over the Archduke John, at Raab, in Hun-
gary, is one of the events of this campaign in which the Emperor had
the greatest cause to rejoice, but he spoke of it merely as an ordinary
atl'air ; its consequences, however, were immense.

At length the Emperor made peace with Austria. The treaty
was signed by the Duke of Cadore and Prince Metternich, father of
the present chancellor. This peace was a terrible stroke to Austria,
but she signed it without murmuring ! vengeance was not far distant !
The Emperor, who only stopped a few days at Munich on his journey,
re-entered Paris amidst the first burst of joy at the return of peace,
yet he might easily perceive a change of sentiment in his capital.
The campaign had been so murderous, the victory so obstinately
disputed, that France began to consider her laurels too dearly pur-
chased : then, for the first time, a hostile ball found its way to
Napoleon's person. It was at Ratisbon ; the ball was a spent one,
and it struck his heel, — but the heel was Napoleon's, and the ball
came from the enemy. The whisper arose, What if the ball had
struck two feet higher ? Then the death of Lannes — that of Lasalle,
by assassination from the hand of a young fanatic. Death thus roam
ing, under different forms, about the person of the Emperor, seemed,
though it dared not touch him, to say, Take care of thyself! All
these were inauspicious omens.

CHAPTER XXXIV.

A.ppwiaphin4- divorce — Conversation with the Empress -Her distress — Fete al
the Hotel-de-Ville — The ladies appointed to receive the Empress counter-
manded— Her Majesty's sufferings at this ball — The Emperor and the Queeii
of Naples — Berthier — The divorce pronounced — Affecting incident — Jose-
phine at Malmaison — The Rhenish deputation — A Pasquinade.

Avother interest blended itself with politics, with which it was
closely combined: this was the divorce of the Emperor; no one
dared speak openly of it, but nevertheless it was a very general
subject of confidential discussion. The drawing-rooms of Paris were
then in a singular state of restraint, which men even of thirty years

APPROACHING DIVORCE. 333

of age cannot now understand ; fur as they were of course dismissed
to the nursery or to their beds before the hour of assembly, they are
not aware that politics were an interdicted subject, except when
spoken aside or mysteriously ; but so many private interests were
bound up it. this divorce, that they were too strong for restriction,
and it was talked of — in a low voice, it is true — but still it was
talked of.

i had an interview with the Empress at Malmaison ; I went
thither to breakfast by invitation, accompanied by my eldest daughter,
Josephine, to whom she was much attached. I had sent her a plant
from the Pyrenees, and she wished me to see it in the hot-house,
lint in vain she attempted to employ herself with those objects which
pleased her the most; her eyes were frequently suffused with tears;
she was pale, and her whole manner marked indisposition. " It is
very cold !" she repeated, drawing her shawl about her ; but, alas ! it
was the chill of grief creeping about her heart, like the cold hand of
death. I looked at her silently, for respect prevented my opening
such a subject of conversation. It was my duty to wait till she spoke
first, which she soon did. We were in the hot-house ; the child run-
ning through its galleries of flowers, and the Empress and I following
slowly in silence. She suddenly stopped, gathered some leaves of a
shrub near her, and, looking at me with a most melancholy expression
of countenance, said : " Do you know that the Queen of Naples is
coming?" It was now my turn to look pale, but I answered im-
mediately, "No, Madame." — "She will be here in a week." Another
pause. "And Madame Mere, have you seen her since your return?"
-"Certainly, Madame; I have already been in waiting." Upon
khis the Empress drew closer to me ; she was already very near, and,
taking both my hands, said, in a tone of grief which is still present to
my mind after an interval of four and twenty years: "Madame
Jun< t. I entreat you to tell me all you have heard relating to me. I
ask it as an especial favour — you know that they all desire to ruin
me, my Ilortense, and my Eugene. Madame Junot, I again entreat
as a favour that, you will tell me all you know."

she spoke with the greatest anxiety ; her lips trembled, and her
hands were damp and cold. In point of taet she was right, fir there
could be no more direct means of knowing what was passing relative

to her, than by learning what was said in the house of Madame Mere.

But it was indiscreet perhaps to ask these questions of me; in iho
first place I should not, have repeated the most insignificanl sentence
which 1 had heard in Madam e's drawing-room ; in the second, I was
quite at ease upon the subject, for since my return from the Pyrenees

C34 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

I had not heard one single word respecting the Empress pronounced
by Madame. I gave her this assurance upon my honour; she looked
at me with a doubtful expression: I repeated my assurances, and
added, that 1 might positively affirm that since my return 1 had not
heard the word divorce uttered by Madame or the Princesses. The
strength of mind of the unfortunate wife failed totally on hearing
the dreadful word pronounced ; she leant upon my arm and wept
bitterly. "Madame Junot," she- said, "remember what I say to you
this day, here — in this hot-house — this place which is now a paradise,
but which may soon become a desert to me — remember that this
separation will be my death, and it is they who will have killed
me !"

She sobbed. My little Josephine running to her pulled her b;y
the shawl to show her some flowers she had plucked, for the Empress
was so fond of her as even to permit her to gather flowers in her
green-house. She took her in her arms, and pressed her to her
bosom with an almost convulsive emotion. The child appeared
frightened ; but presently raising her head, and shaking the forest
of light silken curls which clustered round her face, she fixed her
large blue eyes upon the agitated countenance of her godmother, and
said, "I do not like you to cry." The Empress again embraced her
tenderly, and setting her down, said to me, "You can have little idea
how much I have suffered when any one of you has brought a child
to me ! Heaven knows that I am not envious, but in this one case I
have felt as if a deadly poison were creeping through my veins when
I have looked upon the fresh and rosy cheeks of a beautiful child, the
joy of its mother, but above all, the hope of its father ! and I !
struck with barrenness, shall be driven in disgrace from the bed of
him who has given me a crown ! Yet God is my witness that I love
him more than my life, and much more than that throne, that crown
which he has given me !" The Empress may have appeared more
beautiful, but never more attractive than at that moment. If Napo-
leon had seen her then, surely he could never have divorced her. —
Vh ! in summing up the misfortunes of this fatal year, that divorce
,mist be added to render them complete.

This conversation, of which I have only reported the principal
features, made a deep impression upon me. On my return to Paris
an hour afterwards, I repeated it to Junot, and I still wept while
relating to him that deep but gentle grief, so affecting to the feelings.
I also told Junot that the Empress desired to see him at the Tuilerios
at noon the following day.

It was now the 25th of November, and every thing was prepared

FETE AT THE HOTEL-DE-VILLE. 335

for celebrating the double anniversary of the coronation and the
battle of Austerlitz. The city of Paris determined to take the lead
in the rejoicings, and Count Frochot had made the most sumptuous
preparations for the entertainment at the Hotel-de-Ville. The court
of the Hotel was to be as usual transformed into an immense ball-
room, to which the old gallery formed a superb avenue. Though
indisposed, I prepared to fulfil my duty, and on the 2d of December
arrived amidst a general sadness which affected the whole court. The
Emperor himself, while he put on a show of gaiety, set an example
of constraint: — a misfortune was foreseen, and, in truth, the separa-
tion of Napoleon Bonaparte from Josephine must ever be considered
a very great one.

The Emperor had expressed a wish that the ball should commence
early, because it Mas his desire to see every one, and especially
as few court dresses as possible: he repeated, "I see them daily at
the Tuileries; the city of Paris gives me a fete, and it is the city of
Paris I wish to meet." I left home at three o'clock, because I had
been told that the Emperor and Empress would dine at the Hotel-
de-Ville, and if so, I was to wait upon the Empress. At the Hotel-
de-Ville I found every thing in the most admirable order, but had
not much opportunity of inspecting the preparations, as the rooms
were already filled with the ladies invited. I proceeded to the small
saloon beside the staircase, where I found the ladies assembled whose
names had been sent in to me. They were mostly young, pretty,
and very elegant, or at least very polite and pleasing. We remained
in the saloon. [ knew that the Queen of Naples had arrived in the
morning, but I knew nothing more. Junot, whom 1 questioned above
ten times, did not know what answer to make; he was in the con-
dition of a man who. having had a very agreeable dream, awakes and
wishes to find the reality. I was therefore quite ignorant of any
change of plan until M. de Segur came into the room, ('ailing me

into the recess of one of the windows, which in this ancient building
an; as deep as a small room, he said in a. low voice, "The face nf

tffairs is changed; your beautiful attendants may take their departure
to the upper part of the room, and yourself also, my fair gouver-
oante. — You have nothing further to do her,'. -The Empress," ho
continued, in a still lower tone, " is to be received by Frochol only.
Do you hear what I have been saying?" He had i ason t<> aslt the
question, for I stood like a statue. "And why this prohibition?" •

* I know not ; or rather I do know, hut. I do not choose t<> say."

lie laughed, -bul [could not join the laugh; this strange command

Bounded in my ears like a hell tolling the knell of the unfortunate

S36 NAPOLEON HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Empress. Napoleon, while he braved public opinion, was always
desirous of ascertaining it, and though he did not suffer it to direct
his proceedings, it had its weight in his decision. He seized the
opportunity, therefore, of this popular fete to infuse the idea that
the divorce was contemplated; he wished it to be entertained as
a doubtful opinion, to be commented upon in whispers, and not as an
authenticated event admitting of no revocation. Such were the im-
pressions which passed rapidly through my mind, and I believe they
are correct.

I was returning to my companions to explain to them the neces-
sity of our immediately taking the places reserved for us in the
throne-room, when Junot and M. Froehot entered together. " What
can be the matter ?" said Froehot, addressing me ; " you are per-
fectly blue ; are you cold ?" On the contrary, 1 was burning hot. I
explained to them the whole affair, and both were thunderstruck ; but
at the same moment we heard a movement out of doors, and Junot
observed, " You have not a moment to lose ; if you should follow
the Empress into the throne-room, although you had not gone to
meet her, the Emperor will consider it the same thing, and will be
angry. You, and these ladies, must therefore proceed immediately
to your places." I know not what Froehot said to them, but they
were content, and I was excused interfering. We went up to the
throne-room, and had scarcely taken our seats before the drums an-
nounced the Empress's arrival. Never shall I forget her appearance
on that day, or the costume which so admirably became her ; her
countenance, always gentle, was on that occasion veiled in grief. She
nad not expected the solitude she had encountered on the staircase ;
Junot, however, met her there at the risk of displeasing the Emperor,
and so, by his contrivance, did some ladies, who did not know for
what purpose they were there. The Empress was not deceived ; and
when she entered the grand saloon, when she approached that throne
upon which she was about to take her station in the presence of the
great city, perhaps for the last time, her legs failed her, her eyes
filled with tears, and she seated herself immediately. No wonder
that she did so ; for after passing through that long gallery, and all
the preceding apartments, in the state of mind which every thing
since she alighted from her carriage was calculated to produce, she
must have felt ready to sink ; yet her face was clothed in smiles ?
Oh, the tortures of a crown ! She was followed by Madame de la
Rochefoucauld, her lady of honour, and two ladies of the palace,
whose names I do not remember, for on that day I saw only her. I
sought her eyes the moment she sat down, and would willingly have

JOSEPHINE AT THE IIOTEL-DE-VILLE. 337

(alien at her feet, to tell her how much 1 felt for her. She understood,
and cast upon me a look of the deepest melancholy, which, perhaps,
her eyes had never expressed since that crown, now robbed of its
roses, had been placed upon her head. Junot was beside her.
"Were you not afraid," I afterwards asked him, " of the wrath of
Jupiter?" — "No," said he, with an air of gloom that affected me,
" I never fear him when he is wrong."

The drums beat again, and in a few moments the Emperor ap-
peared, advancing with a hasty step, and accompanied by the Queen
of Naples and the King of Westphalia. I have already said that a
change of sentiment, respecting the Emperor, pervaded the capital.
He had conquered indeed a hostile monarchy, but tottering and muti-
lated as that monarchy was, it had risen against us with such tremen-
dous might, that France was covered with ensigns of mourning. His
laurels began to be less verdant. Again the establishment of eight
fortresses, which would serve as state prisons, were talked of — a di-
vorce was in agitation ; Josephine was beloved, and the good citizens
of Paris murmured at the proposition. The Emperor's countenance,
as he entered the ITotel-de-Ville, very plainly expressed that he was
aware of all this.

The Queen of Naples, whose gracious and condescending smile

seemed to demand from the Parisians a welcome on her return

amongst them, spoke to every one with extreme affability. The

Emperor, desirous also of being agreeable, walked round the ball

room, conversing, asking questions, and followed by Berthier, who,

dangling after his master, filled the office of chamberlain rather than

of grand constable. A slight circumstance, in which Berthier was an

actor in the course of that evening, contributed to give me pain.

The Emperor rose from his chair of stale, and descended the steps

of his throne, to make a last visit to the ball-room ; at the moment

of rising I saw him incline towards the Empress, probably to desire

she would follow his example, lie stood up first, and Berthier, in

his precipitation to follow him, entangled his foot in the Empress's

train as she rose. He narrowly escaped falling himself, and though

he caused the Empress to stumble, hurried on to join the Emp< ror,

without one word of apology. Certainly Berthier had no intention

of being disrespectful to her, bul it was carelessly done; he was in

the Becret, and knew the drama that was about to be represented-,

certainly he would have had more considerati m a year earlier. The

Empress stood for a moment with remarkable dignity ; smiling at

his awkwardness, while her eyes filled with tears, and her lips

trembled.

61

A

838 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Though the weather was bitterly cold, the heat in these throngec
apartments was excessive. The Emperor made the tour of the grand
gallery, talking to persons on the one side, while the Empress took
the other.

At length the divorce was announced* — and though expected, the

* The divorce was, unquestionably, a melancholy reverse of fortune for
Josephine, which she felt most severely, but she bore it with magnanimity
The particulars of the interview between her and the Emperor are very affect-
ing ; when Napoleon mentioned the necessity of a divorce, he approached
Josephine, gazed on her for a while, and then pronounced the following words:
" Josephine, my excellent Josephine, thou knowest if I have loved thee! To
thee, to thee alone do I owe the only moments of happiness which I have en-
joyed in this world. Josephine! my destiny overmasters my will. My dearest
affections must be silent before the interests of France." — "Say no more," she
replied, " I was prepared for this ; but the blow is not less mortal !"

Josephine on hearing from his own lips the determination of the Emperor,
fainted, and was carried to her chamber. At length the fatal day arrived.

On the 15th of December, 1S09, the Imperial Council of State was convened,
and for the first time officially informed of the intended separation. On the
morrow the whole of the family assembled in the grand saloon at the Tuileries.
All were in court costume. Napoleon's was the only countenance which be-
trayed emotion, but ill concealed by the drooping plumes of his hat of cere-
mony. He stood motionless as a statue, his arms crossed upon his breast ; the
members of his family were seated around, showing, in their expression, less
of sympathy with so painful a scene, than of satisfaction that one was to be
removed who had so long held influence, gently exerted as it had been, over
their brother. In the centre of the apartment was placed an arm-chair, and
before it a small table with a writing apparatus of gold. All eyes were
directed to that spot, when a door opened, and Josephine, pale but calm,
appeared, leaning on the arm of her daughter, whose fast falling tears showed
that she had not attained the resignation of her mother. Both were dressed
in the simplest manner. Josephine's dress of white muslin exhibited not a
single ornament. She moved slowly and with wonted grace to the seat pre-
pared for her, and there listened to the reading of the act of separation. Be-
hind her chair stood Hortense, whose sobs were audible, and a little farther on
towards Napoleon, Eugene, trembling as if incapable of supporting himself
Josephine heard in composure the words that placed an eternal barrier be-
tween her and greatness, between her and the object of her affection. This
painful duty over, the Empress appeared to acquire a degree of resolution
from the very effort to resign with dignity the realities of title for ever
Pressing, for an instant, the handkerchief to her eyes, she rose, and with a
voice, which but for a slight tremour might have been called firm, pronounced
the oath of acceptance ; then sitting down, she took the pen from the hand
of the Count Regnault St. Jean d'Angely, and signed it. The mother and
daughter now left the saloon, followed by Eugene, who appeared to suffer most
severely of the three.

The sad interests of the day had not yet been exhausted. Josephine had

THE DIVOrtCK. 339

effect which the news produced in France baffles description ; —
amongst the populace and the middle class especially. It was like
their guardian genius deserting them. The upper class were for the
most part indifferen., but still there reigned even here a sentiment, a
sympathizing melancholy ; the ladies of the court, whose life of
ceremony is apt to deaden the affections, were actuated at least by
their personal interests, and did not know how these might be affected
by the new comer. Already Josephine's goodness was regretted ;
for her kindness none can ever attempt to deny ; and indulgence, the
only objection to be made against her in this respect, being the too
general extension of her goodness and recommendations. The effect
of all these varying shades of feeling, whether of affection or self-
interest, was to produce a certain degree of stupor in society. I was
profoundly afflicted, and went the very next day to Malmaison.

One incident, in particular, gave a still more dramatic effect to the
melancholy close of a career, so distinguished by the favours of
fortune. Prince Eugene, whose affection fur his mother is well
known, being at the time in Paris, found himself necessitated, by his
office of Archchancellor of State, to carry to the Senate the message
which announced his mother's divorce : "The tears of the Emperor,"

remained unseen, sorrowing in her chamber, till Napoleon's usual hour of
retiring to rest. He had just placed himself in bed, silent and melancholy,
when suddenly the private door opened and the Empress appeared, her hair in
disorder, and her face swollen with weeping. Advancing with a tottering
step, she stood, as if resolute, near the bed, clasped her hands, and burst into
an agony of tears. Delicacy seemed at first to have arrested her progress,
but forgetting every tiling in the fulness of her grief, she throw herself on the
bed, clasped her husband's neck, and sobbed as if her heart would break.
Napoleon also wept while he endeavoured to console her, and they remained
a few minutes locked in each other's arms, silently mingling their tears, until
the Emperor perceiving Constant in the room, dismissed him to the ante-
chamber. After an interview of about an hour, Josephine parted for ever
from the man whom she so long and so tenderly loved. On Beeing the Em
Dress retire, which she did in tears, the attendant entered I" remove the lights,
and found the chamber silent as death, and Napoleon sunk among the bed*
clothes so as to be invisible. Next, morning lie still Bhowed the marks ol
Buffering. At eleven, Josephine was to Mil adieu to the Tuileries never
to enter the palace more. The whole household assembled on the stairs, in
order to obtain a last, look of a mistress whom they love. I, ami who carried
with her into exile tlie heart- of all who had enjoyed the happiness of access
io lor presence. Josephine was railed from head to foot, and entering a close
carriage with bis horses, rapidly drove away, without casting one look baok<
(Tarda on the Bcene of past greatness ami departed happiness. —Memei Afcmoirt
>/■ the Empress Josephine, p. '.V.M.

840 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

said that noble young man, " do honour to my mother." And his
own, which flowed profusely through this dreadful day, were a conso-
lation in the midst of her sufferings.

The Empress received at Malmaison all who chose to pay their
respects to her. The drawing-room, the billiard-room, and the gallery
were full of company. The Empress never appeared to greater
advantage. She sat at the right of the chimney, beneath Girodet's
line picture, simply dressed, with a large green capote upon her head,
which served to conceal her tears, which would flow whenever any
one came who particularly reminded her of the happy hours of
Malmaison and the consulate. It was impossible to see, without
emotion, the strong impression of grief which marked her counte-
nance. She raised her eyes to every one who approached, even
smiled at them ; but if the visitor was one of her old associates, the
tears immediately stole down her cheeks, but quietly and without
any of those conti'actions of the features which make weeping inimi-
cal to beauty. No doubt Josephine's despair must have been painful
to the Emperor ; whether he could have resisted her mute expression
of mental agony, I know not.

I went again to Malmaison a few days afterwards with my little.
Josephine, whom her godmother had desired me to bring : this time,
as I was alone with her, she did not scruple to open all the sorrows
of her heart, and she spoke of her grief with an energy of truth quite
distressing. She regretted all that she had lost ; but it is justice to
say, that far above all she regretted the Emperor. The attentions of
her children in those days of suffering were admirable.

At this time of painful feeling to the Emperor — for he loved
Josephine — Napoleon received visits from the whole Rhenish confed-
eration ; the King of Saxony, the King and Queen of Bavaria, the
King of Wirtemberg; all, in short, came to Paris to make him a
visit, which would scarcely admit of more than one construction — for
not only was the divorce in process, but the official authorities had
pronounced his marriage null. The wits of Paris made merry at the
expense of these recent royalties ; amongst other specimens of the
light in which they regarded them, was a placard affixed one night to
the railing of the Tuileries, on which was written, Fabrique de Cires
— manufactory of waxwrork : or with a slight change of orthography
and none of sound, manufactory of sires.

THE QUEEN OF NAPLES AT THE TUILERIES. 341

CHAPTER XXXV.

Tlie German Kings at Paris — The Queen of Naples at the Tuilei'iea — Iler parties
unsociable — Duets with the Grand Duke of Wurtzburg — The King's visit to
Josephine at Malraaison — The Carnival — The patrimony of St. Peter with
drawn from the Pope — Negotiations superintended by Lucien Bonaparte —
The Pope carried off from Rome — General Miollis at Rome — Expatriation —
A storm — Port of Cagliari — Lucien and his family prisoners to the English
— ilalta — Palace of the Grand-master — Captain Warren — Arrival at Ply-
mouth— Castle of Ludlow — Lucien's removal to Thorngrove — Domestic
scenes — Lucien's literary pursuits — Visit of the Duke of Norfolk.

I know not whether this unlucky divorce influenced our tempers, bir;
Paris was never so dull as at that moment — amidst the finest fetes the
empire witnessed, except those of the marriage and the coronation.
All those kings who encumbered the avenues of the palace froze our
spirits, without inspiring the distant respect which should be the attri-
bute of royalty. In our ill -humour we found fault with all of them.
The court was disunited ; there was no central point of union. In
vain the Queen of Naples lodged in the Tuileries; the household of
her brother did not like her; and though pre-eminent as flatterers, we
make but sorry hypocrites. Queen Ilortcnse was really loved ; all
was freedom in her society ; she set every one at ease. Music, con-
versation, drawing, billiards, whatever each person liked best; in
short, every one was amused — which never happened under the
auspices of the Queen of Naples, except on occasion of a ball ; and
except, indeed, when she, sang duets with the Grand Duke of Wurtz-
burg. Never in my life have I heard any thing so ridiculous as the
combination of their voices; neither of them had the smallest notion
of diffidence, nor the smallest idea of singing; yet thej Bang on, both
together, as if they really had voices! They were princely voices al
best. It was said of La Forest, ( of the opera singers, thai he

tnUSl have a WOOden voice; this would not have been ill-applied to

the poj al duettists. Oh ! those concerts of her Imperial Highness the

Princess were odd affairs! yet she had some Indies in her household

who might have taught her whal good nni-ie was. I have often, lor

example, wondered how it happened that Mada Lambert did not

belong to the establishment of Queen tlortense, where her talents (bi

342 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

music and painting, and her love of the arts, would have been justly
appreciated.

All the crowned heads, majesties and highnesses, assembled at
Paris at the commencement of the year 1810, paid their respects to
the Empress at Malmaison ; and while consolatory, as indicating the
Emperor's will that she should be respected as the wife of his choice,
yet these visits were oppressive to her, — such, at least, they appeared
to me to be. In my visits to Malmaison, the Queen of Naples was
always the subject of our conversation. Her conduct since her return
to Paris evinced a great desire to please ; she made superb presents
to all the ladies of the court. My daughters, though young children,
received from her each a suit of coral ornaments, one of which,
wrought in relief, was very beautiful. It was in this visit that she
presented to the Emperor the well-known superb set of chess-men, in
Vesuvian lava and coral.

The carnival approached; the Emperor commanded that it should
be gay and brilliant ; the. authorities of Paris prepared to obey the
Imperial mandate, and ball succeeded ball without intermission. But
how different was the winter from its predecessor ! Mourning was
universal, and every one entered into society to divert the feelings
from melancholy retrospection. Nothing was real, and no pleasing
remembrances remain of the forced festivities of this spring ; almost
every one with whom I have conversed upon the subject agrees in the
same recollection of it.

While Napoleon was procuring at Paris the dissolution of his
marriage, his affairs went on badly at the court of Rome. He found
there a powerful antagonist in Lucien, who, grateful for the asylum
which the Pope had nobly granted him, was indignant at seeing him
despoiled of his possessions by the Emperor. He endeavoured to
infuse a new vigour in the councils of the Vatican. For several
months the correspondence between the cabinet of the Tuileries and
that of Rome was active and important ; its object was to refuse all
further concession to Napoleon, and to dispute the possession of such
of the Papal dominions as he had already seized : and when at length
an Imperial decree was launched from Vienna, commanding the Pope
to descend from St. Peter's chair, — for to command him to surrender
the Roman territory was much the same thing, — Cardinal Gonzalvi,
stimulated by Lucien, wrote under his dictation a letter calculated to
astonish the Emperor. Without speaking of the supremacy of the
court of Rome, which Lucien no more wished than Napoleon to re-
establish in Franco, it asserted with justice that the Pope would not
be despoiled of his own dominions. But all this resistance had no

DECREE AGAINST THE POPE. 343

effect, the states of the Church were united to the French empire, ana
the situation of the Pope became alarming.

Murat, then at Naples, transmitted to General Radet at Rome,
Napoleon's orders for the removal of the Pope to France ; and on the
5th of July, 1S09, the General called upon His Holiness to obey the
Emperor's commands. The Pope replied, that his double dignity of
Sovereign and Chief of the Church, placed him beyond (he jurisdiction
of the French Emperor. "His predecessors," said he, to the envoy,
"have saved mine, but this gives him no claim, except on my grati-
tude." He shut himself up in the Quirinal, and, clothed in all the
pontifical ornaments, seated himself in a chair of state, peaceably to
await the coming of General Radet. The French functionary pre-
sented himself in the middle of the night, at the principal door of the
palace, and finding it closed, forced his way into the apartments of the
Sovereign Pontiff by a window on the ground floor, took possession
of his person, compelled him to enter a carriage, and instantly drove
off on the road to Grenoble, according to his orders. Passing the
next morning through Viterbo, Radet perceived an alarming degree
of fermentation in the popular mind ; he hurried the postilions
through the necessary operation of changing horses, and hearing on
all sides cries which threatened an interruption to his important mis-
sion, he called out, "On your knees! the Holy Father is about to
give you his blessing." The people prostrated themselves in an
instant, and when all their faces were in the dust, Radet himself
violently applying the whip to the horses, drove off with the rapidity
of an arrow, and without the assistance of the postilions, leaving the
inhabit ants of Viterbo to vent, in harmless maledictions, that rage
against us, which in another minute would have probably exhibited
itself in a more dangerous manner.

Pius VII. remained but a short time at Grenoble; he was soon
transferred by the Emperor's orders to Savona, where, kept a close
prisoner, almost in sight of his gaolers, he was only allowed the
liberty of performing mass. General Miollis arrived at Rome to
take the command of the queen city. Lucicn then found himself in a
Btrange position. From the commencemenl of his exile the fine arts,

literature, and the education of his children had formed his sol sou-

pations and amusements. The Maecenas of every man of talent in
Rome, he was adored by the artists, whom he employed and under*
stood, fbr Lucien was never moderately beloved ; he is a being of
superior worth ! Immediately on the departure of the Hoi) Father
be retired to Tusculum, where he superintended his excavations, and
where General Miollis watched him, with an inquisitor) intrusivenesa

34-4 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

which Lucien soon found intolerable. With no other title than that
of the proscribed brother of the Emperor, for his exclusion from the
order of succession threw him as it were out of the family circle, seeing
the imperial domination crossing the Alps and Apennines to seek him
in his studious retreat in the bosom of his numerous family, he deter-
mined to quit Europe, and wrote to the Duke of Rovigo, then minis-
ter of police, to ask passports for the United States of America.

The Emperor was aware of the demand, without doubt; but he
did not appear in the affair, and the answer of the Duke of Rovigo,
was the transmission of the passports, sanctioning Lucien's expatria-
tion, but exile in fact. He then wrote to Naples, requesting Murat
to send him an American vessel, released from all embargo. Murat
sent the vessel with the most gracious promptitude. Lucien it seems
frightened them all ! The American ship soon arrived at Civita
Vecchia, The entire gallery of Lucien, all the treasures he had found
in his researches at Tusculum, were carefully packed up under the
inspection of M. de Chatillon, who superintended the department of
the arts in Lucien's household. But the cases were not all put on
board, the greater part was left with Torlogna, the chief banker of
Rome. Lucien carried with him all his numerous family portraits,
together with that of Pius VII. : " He has been a hospitable friend to
me," said he, "I must not forget him." At length in the month of
August, 1810, the exiled family quitted Civita Vecchia, It was truly
a singular spectacle, to see the brother of Napoleon abandoning
Europe to seek an asylum in the newr world, carrying thither a heart
devotedly French and a purely patriotic spirit.

The captain set sail in spite of contrary winds, but had not long
cleared the coast before a tremendous storm arose which threatened
the ship with utter destruction. Lucien, always possessing the calm
ness of true courage, required of the captain to put into the port of
Cagliari, which they were approaching. The Princess and children
were ill, assistance and repose were therefore necessary, and Lucien
had letters from the Pope recommending him to the protection of the
sovereigns on whose territories he might chance to touch in his exile.
On reaching Cagliari, M. de Chatillon landed, and carried to the Sar-
dinian minister a certificate of the illness of Lucien's family, request-
ing permission for him to land, for the purpose of recovery. This
affair, which if it had concerned a French family of unknown name,
would have been settled without difficulty, became strangely compli-
cated by the name of Lucien Bonaparte. The Sardinian minister
humbly replied that such questions concerned Mr. Hill, the British
envoy, and that to him alone its decision belonged. In vain M. da

LUCIEN PRISONER TO THE ENGLISH. 845

Chatillon declined the authority of England; Mr. Hill deeieed that
M. Lucien Bonaparte, the American vessel, and all that it contained
should be captured in the port of Cagliari. Lucien turned pale on
hearing this decision, and exclaimed, with truly French feeling, " I
will not submit to it!" That heart of iron and fire, susceptible also
of all the tender emotions, swelled with unutterable grief and indig-
nation as he cast his eyes on his proscribed family, and felt that he
flight to sway a sceptre for their protection. Notwithstanding the
illness of his wife and children, he would not permit them to land,
and thus passed fourteen days, — the most distressing perhaps of his
life. " We must go," he said at length, "and let us see if they will
dare to execute their threat."

The American ship sailed out of the port; the two English frig-
ates seeing its preparations, had stood out the preceding evening ; and
scarcely had the American advanced a mile, before one of the frigates,
the Pomona, Captain Barry, fired a shot, and commanded the captain
to lay to. The American was only a merchant ship, but the captain's
spirit revolted from thus surrendering a passenger who had intrusted
his person and family to his care. " I will not bring to," said he to his
lieutenant. Captain Barry, receiving no answer, launched his boat
and came himself with two officers, alongside the American ship,
which he knew to be incapable of defence. The captain, however,
intended to defend himself; on perceiving the English captain in his
boat, he waited till he was within pistol-shot, and then would have
fired, if Lucien had not suddenly given him a smart blow on the arm,
which compelled him to drop the pistol. With much difficulty he
was persuaded to surrender, and the English captain announced to his
prisoners, that he should convey them to Malta. Captain Barry was
then, what he probably still is, if the cannon, sword, and tempest,
have spared his life so long, that perfectly agreeable character, which
is natural to an English gentleman: fori may truly affirm, that in
all my intercourse with the various nations of Europe, I have nowhere
found individuals so perfectly pleasing and polite in language, man
tiers, and habits as the really well-bred Englishman. In the interval
between their capture and their arrival at Malta, he paid the family
every attention thai kindness and respeel could suggest, and a voyage
in the Mediterranean permit. On reaching Malta, they were eon-
ducted to the Lazaretto ; Lucien solicited permission to remove his
wife and children, but was refused by the governor, General Oakes,
with an obstinacy worthy of St Helena. It would seem thai trio
British government prides itself i i being represented by men capablo

346 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

of every act of cruelty ! The object of this policy I cannot i aider
stand.

Lueien was condemned to three days' quarantine ; and this use
less vexation over, was permitted to take up his residence in the fort
Riccazoli, where he found only damp walls, without an article of
furniture, and was obliged, at his own expense, to procure even chairs
and bedding from the town of Valetta. Even the naval officers were
indignant at such unworthy treatment; and Lueien, however unwill-
ing to complain, felt it due to the name of a Frenchman to submit
his wrongs to the British government. Its answer arrived at length;
ordering that the prisoner should be removed to the castle of St.
Anthony, the residence of the grand-master in the proud days of the
order, and treated him with the utmost consideration, until it was
determined in what manner he should be finally disposed of. In this
Gothic castle, which his elevated mind led him to teach his children
rather to consider as a retreat than a prison, he and Madame Lueien
employed themselves in protecting their young family from ennui,
and, in so doing, defended themselves also from its attacks. Sur
rounded by a locality full of romance, wdiere every tower had its
tale, and every stone seemed the memento of some illustrious name,
Lueien compelled new traditions to take their place beside the old,
and consoled his wounded spirit by a closer acquaintance with the
muses; here he proceeded with his poem of Charlemagne — venting
the grief of exile in words of harmony.

Towards the close of the year Captain Warren arrived in the
frigate the President, to convey Lueien and his family to England.
He requested as a favour that he might be allowed to sail for England
accompanied by M. de Chatillon, and to leave his wife and children
till the spring, hoping that a personal application to the Prince Regent
would have the effect of restoring the liberty of which he had been
illegally deprived. But again he met with a refusal ; in vain he
urged the natural fears of a husband and a father, in committing the
safety of his tender charges to the mercy of the elements at so in-
clement a season. "I have my orders," was still the reply of Cap-
tain Warren. Every thing on board the frigate was arranged with
attention to their comfort, and the conduct of the officers was respect-
ful and accommodating; but the cold and haughty character of
Captain Warren increased the disagreeableness of a six weeks' voyage
in the midst of winter, and dreadful weather. Its ttdiousness was
caused by the great round they were compelled to make to avoid the
coast of France; Captain Warren's orders being peremptory to keep
out to sea, perfectly armed, and on no account to surrender his

LUCIEN IN ENGLAND. 3T7

prisoner. They leached at length the harbour if Plymouth in fright-
ful weather; here again he encountered inhospitality ; the ship was
not permitted to anchor, and rode out through the night in so tremen-
dous a storm, that the hazard was every moment imminent of being
wrecked on the rocks of that dangerous coast.

How grateful was Lucien for the protection of heaven, when, after
that tremendous night, he landed in safety with his children at Ply-
month, lie here found Mr. Mackenzie, a state messenger, authorized
to offer him an asylum, and the rights of hospitality in their most
extended sense. Lucien, with his usual nobleness, returned his thanks
with dignity and coldness, and continued: "I have been made pris-
oner illegally, and I protest against every thing which myself and
family have undergone since we quitted the port of Cagliari : I de-
mand to be allowed to pursue my journey ; and beyond that, sir, I
refuse all the offers of your government; for I can accept nothing
from a nation which is the enemy of mine, nor from a government
that makes war upon my brother." — "Then," replied Mr. Mackenzie,
coldly but politely, "I am obliged to fulfil my commission." The
following day Lucien was conducted to the castle of Ludlow, and
placed under the charge of Lord Powis, Lord Lieutenant to the
county of Salop, and father-in-law of the Duke of Northumberland.
He was recommended by all means to induce his prisoner to put
himself in direct opposition to the Emperor. His constant refusal
produced a more rigorous captivity, and he was confined to a circuit
of two miles round Ludlow, the antique and gloomy castle, of which
was of sinister omen, having been the habitation of the unfortunate
children of King Edward. He obtained, however, at length, permis
sion to quit Ludlow, and to take up his residence at Thorngrove, on
the road to Worcester, a charming mansion, which he had himself
purchased of M. Lamotte, a Frenchman established in England, for
eighteen thousand guineas; it is surrounded by a park, enclosing :i
garden and hothouse, and possesses all those exterior and interior
comforts so peculiar to the home of an English family.

Having tastefully completed the arrangements of his new habita-
tion, and hung the drawing-room with his family portiaits, he laid
down rules for the domestic life he intended to lead here. ETis love
for the arts and sciences gained strength in this friendly retreat; he
had always been fond of astronomy, and now pursued it with ardour.
He visited Herschel,* and purchased his famous telescope for fifty

* It was during ilii-t visit, that Lucien became acqu tinted with Mi Caru*
line Llerschel, li ter of the b tronomcr, who occupied herself in writing tin

348 NAPOLEON, HIS COUR1 AND FAMILY.

thousand francs; he then built an observatory, calculated ephemerides
and announced a new planet in the milky way; he was not mistaken
and has the prior right to the merit of this discovery. Thorngrove
became a Lyceum. Lucien composed several comedies, which were
acted in his domestic theatre ; also the tragedy of Clotaire, a work of
real merit, which was performed before an audience of more than two
hundred persons, nearly all chosen from the middling classes of the
neighbourhood, — for, considering the ministry as his enemies, he
would have no intercourse with Tories. As the author, he chose to
judge of the effect of the piece, and would therefore take no part in
it ; M. de Chatillon performed Clotaire ; Madame Lucien played well
in the becoming costume of Clotilde ; the two children were repre-
sented by her young sons, Charles and Paul ; the wife of Clotaire by
Lucien's eldest daughter Charlotte, now Princess Gabrielli ; and
Sigerie, the confidant of Clotaire, by Christina, also his daughter by
his first wife, and now married to Lord Dudley Stuart, who, in the
scarcity of actors in the family, was obliged to take a male part. It
seems to me that Ludlow, the first prison of Edward's children, must
have suggested to Lucien the plot of this tragedy.

The drama, however, was not the only subject of his muse during
his residence at Thorngrove; here he completed his poem of Charle
magne, and produced that of Cirneide. The Princess of Canino also,
stimulated by example, composed a poem on the subject of Bathilde,
Queen of the Francs ; it is well sustained, in six cantos, with verses
of ten syllables in varied rhymes. I shall have occasion to speak of
it again with relation to an extraordinary feet, of which I do not
believe the Emperor capable ; but which proves, at least, the extent
to which a base inclination to flatter his imputed wishes was carried
by those around him. M. Chatillon was employed, at the same time,
upon a small poem called the Odyssey of Lucien, or the Exile ; he
also sketched forty-eight designs for the illustration of Charlemagne
and Bathilde ; these sketches, which must necessarily imbody the
intentions of the authors, as they were drawn under their superin-
tendence, were being engraved in London, by the celebrated Heath,
when the restoration interrupted the series.

Everv member of the family of Thorngrove was actively engaged.
Every Sunday the works of the week were brought forward ; an
examination took place, also a competition for prizes ; the day was
closed with a concert, in which the young ladies sang, M. Chatillon
played the violin, and Father Maurice the piano.

calculations made by Sir William and Lucien. This lady is well known in th«
literary circles.

NAPOLEON'S MARRIAGE WI1H MARIA-LAV ISA. 349

Thus did Lucicn embellish his retreat with every thing that could
tend to make time pass pleasurably; living like a really wise man
without any false pretensions to philosophy. His style of life
excited much curiosity in England, but he studiously retired from
observation in a calm and natural dignity which inspired genera]
respect. The Duke of Norfolk, desirous of becoming acquainted
with him, visited Thorngrove ; where, cheerful, agreeable, and witty,
he attracted the affections of the whole family during the three days
he passed with them.

CHAPTER XXXVI.

Napoleon's marriage with Maria-Louisa — Union of the Papal States with France
— Nuptial festivities in Paris — Maria-Louisa's regret at leaving Vienna —
Her favourite dog — Berthier's scheme — Arrival of the Empress in France —
Her interview with the Emperor — A surprise — The Emperor and Empress
visit Belgium — Abdication of Louis, King of Holland — Projected treat}' with
England — M. de Labouchere's mission to London — Louis accuses Napoleon
of bad faith — Fouche — The Intrigue unravelled — Dreadful accident- at Prince
Schwart/.enberg's ball — The Empress's courage — The Emperor's exertions to
assist the sufferers — Princess Sehwartzenberg burnt to death — Escape of
Prince Eugene and the Vice-Queen — Death of the Princess de la Leyen —
Madame de Bre . . . — Letters from France — Duchy of Oldenburg — Remark-
able expression of the Emperor Alexander — Maury's opinion of Maria-Louisa
— Soirees at the Tuileries — Male visitors prohibited

I was at Burgos when I received the first intelligence of Napoleon's
intended marriage with Maria-Louisa. A friend who wrote to me
from Paris, spoke of the disastrous influence which a marriage with
an Austrian Princess was likely to exercise on the destiny of Napo-
leon. He was, it is true, Emperor of the French, bul he was likewise
General Bonaparte, who had gained more than twenty pitched battles
over Austria ; and who had twice forced the Imperial family to fly
from their palace. These were injuries which could not but leave

indelible stains behind them. The sacrifice which the Emperor
Francis was now about to make, bore an odious stamp of selfishness.
It appeared by no means improbable, that at some future time the
voice of his daughter, when appealing to him in behalf of her son
and her husband, would be no more listened to, than when she
remonstrated for herself! Ft was evident that Austria, humbled and
mutilated as she was, greeted this marriage only as a temporary balm

350 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

to her wounds. Napoleon's object was to consolidate his Lorthera
alliances, already well secured on the part of Russia, and to prosecute
still further his fatal operations in the Peninsula.

It was likewise during my stay at Burgos that I heard of the union
of the Papal States with Prance. It would be difficult to describe
the effect which this intelligence produced in Spain. It was speedih
followed by the circulation of thousands of copies of the Bull of
excommunication. Children, even in the tender age of infancy, were
taught to lisp the most horrible imprecations on the French. Only
those who were witnesses to the reaction which took place in Spain
at this period, can form a just estimate of the error which Napoleon
committed in taking possession of the city of Rome, and making the
Pope his captive.

Meanwhile Paris wi 3 enlivened by fetes in honour of the Imperial
nuptials. The letters which I received from my friends were like the
descriptions in romances and fairy tales. As I was not in Paris at
that time, 1 will not enter into a detail of matters which I did not
witness; but I cannot forbear relating the following anecdote con-
nected with Napoleon's marriage: Berthier, Prince de Neufchatel,
was .sent to Vienna to conduct the Empress to Paris. After she had
been married by proxy to her uncle Prince Charles, and all the forms
and ceremonies were gone through (which in Vienna is a work of no
little time), the day of departure was fixed. The young Archduchess
often shed tears of regret, at her approaching separation from her
family. In the Imperial family of Austria, the bonds of relationship
are sacredly revered ; and even in the reign of Maria-Theresa, and
under the cold and artful policy of Kaunitz, family ties were held
dear. Maria-Louisa had been educated in these feelings : she wept
to leave her sisters, her father, and her mother-in-law, and perhaps
also she wept at the thought of being united to a man who must
have been to her almost an object of terror. At length the day of
departure arrived. The young Empress bade farewell to all the
members of her family, and then retired to her apartment, where
etiquette required that she should wait till Berthier came to conduct
her to her carriage. When Berthier entered the cabinet, he found
her bathed in tears. With a voice choked by sobs, she apologized
for appearing so childish; "But," said she, " my grief is excusable.
See how I am surrounded here by a thousand things that are dear to
me. These are my sister's drawings, that tapestry was wrought by
my mother, those paintings are by my uncle Charles." In this
manner, she went through the inventory of her cabinet, and there
was scarcely a thing, down to the carpet on the floor, which was not

THE EMPRESS IN FRANCE. 35 i

the work of some beloved hand. There were her singing birds, her
parrot, and, above all, the object which she seemed to value most,
and most to regret — a little dog. It was of course known at the
court of Vienna how greatly the Emperor used to be annoyed by
Josephine's favourite pet dogs, with Fortune at their head. There-
fore Frauds II., like a prudent father, took care that his daughter
shoulc leave ner pet dog at Vienna. Yet it was a cruel separation,
and the Princess and her favourite parted with a tender due of
complaint.

But these regrets, childish as they may appear, Berthier regarded
as proofs of a kind and affectionate heart ; and when he beheld the
tears of the young Archduchess, whom he had expected to find all
radiant with smiles, a scheme entered his mind which he tacitly
resolved to carry into execution. — " I have merely come to acquaint
your Majesty," said he, " that you need not depart for two hours to
come. I will therefore withdraw until that time." lie went imme-
diately to the Emperor and acquainted him with his plan. Francis II.,
who was the most indulgent of fathers, readily assented to the pro-
position. Berthier gave his orders, and in less than two hours all
was ready. — The Empress left Vienna and soon entered France ; she
found herself surrounded by festivals and rejoicings, and almost
forgot the parrot and the dog. She arrived at Compiegne, and was
there met by the Emperor, who stopped her carriage, stepped into it,
and seated himself by her side; they proceeded to Saint Cloud, and
thence to Paris. There fortune bestowed one of her last smiles on
her favourite son, when, leading into the balcony of the Tuileries his
young bride whom he regarded as the pledge of lasting peace and
alliance, he presented her to the multitude who were assembled
beneath the windows of the palace.*

On retiring from the balcony he said to her, " Well, Louise, I
must, giye you some little reward for the happiness you have con-
ferred on me," and leading her into one of the narrow corridors of
the palace, lighted only by one lamp, he hurried on with his oeloved
Empress, who exclaimed, l- Where are we going'?" — " Come, Louise,

* "The Empress Maria-Louisa was nineteen years of age when six married
Nsipolfou: her li air whs of a light colour, her eyes blue and expressive, her

walk was noble and her figure imposing. Her hands and feel were fori I in

perfect beauty, and might serve for models. Health, youth, and a florid com-
plexion, were joined n> much timidity: this latter asioned the Em press tc

appear baughty before the ladies of the court; in private, however, she was
amiable and even affectionate. She appeared to love the Emperor, and wai
devoted to hi* will." Constant

3,V2 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND POULT.

come, are you afraid to follow me ?" replied the Emperor, wlio now
pressed to his bosom, with much affectionate tenderness, his young
bride. Suddenly they stopped at a closed door, within which they
heard a dog that was endeavouring to escape from the apparent
prison. The Emperor opened this private door, and desired Louise
to enter: she found herself in a room magnificently lighted; the glare
of the lamps prevented her for some moments from distinguishing
any object; imagine her surprise, when she found her favourite dog
from Vienna was there to greet her; the apartment was furnished
with the same chairs, carpet, the paintings of her sisters, her birds, in
short, every object was there, and placed in the room in the same
manner as she had left them on quitting her paternal roof. The
Empress, in joy and in gratitude, threw herself in Napoleon's arms,
and the moment of a great victory would not have been to the
conqueror of the world so sweet as this instant of ecstasy was to the
infatuated heart of the adoring bridegroom. After a few minutes
had been spent in examining the apartment, the Emperor opened a
small door ; he beckoned to Berthier, who entered. Napoleon then
said, " Louise, it is to him you are indebted for this unexpected joy :
1 desire you will embrace him, as a just recompense." Berthier
took, the hand of the Empress, but the Emperor added, " No, no, — «
you must kiss my old and faithful friend."

Some weeks after his marriage, the Emperor took the yoang Em-
press with him into Belgium. Maria-Louisa received the homage that
was paid to her with a certain air of indifference, and there then
seemed little reason to expect that she would do the honours of the
court with the grace and amiability which she subsequently displayed.
But an event which caused me more astonishment than all that was
going on in Paris, was the forced abdication of Louis, King of Holland.
Louis had been a dear friend of my mother, and his kind and amiable
temper made me esteem him very highly. His conduct, which some
have blamed and others approved, was in my opinion always that of
an honest man. He had a circle of friends devotedly attached to him,
and these friends were also mine. I received through them the details
of the revolution in Holland — for the abdication of Louis must be
termed a revolution. Louis comprehended his brother's continental
system ; but he understood better the interests of the people he had
been called upon to govern. These people, who were strangers to
custom-house duties, and who were at one period of their history the
most flourishing commercial nation in the world, were languishing
beneath the terrible system of confiscations and prohibitions. Louis
refused to be any longer the instrument of a system of tyranny which

ABDICATION OF LOUIS BONAPARTE. 353

was a death-blow to the prosperity of Holland. Hereupon, the Em-
peror directed an army, commanded by General Oudinot, to advance
into Holland. Louis then abdicated, but only in favour of his son.
This abdication was rejected. Marshal Oudinot entered Amsterdam,
and Europe learned that Holland was incorporated with the French
empire.

When Napoleon found that his brother would not bend to his will,
he requested or rather ordered his abdication. Louis was of an ami-
able and pliant disposition; but when he was required to take a step
which he could not consent to without injuring his children and his sub-
jects, he displayed a remarkable degree of firmness. He consented
to abdicate, but only on certain conditions. He proposed to his
brother that overtures should be made to England, and by rendering
the affair of Holland the basis of a treaty, peace might be obtained,
provided France was willing to concede in the way that Louis wished.
The Emperor consented to this, and the King of Holland sent M.
Labouchere to England to open negotiations. The Marquis of Wel-
lesley was then at the head of the English ministry. M. Labouchere
was well known as one of the first bankers in Europe. His transac-
tions with England were extensive and honourable. Every facility
was consequently afforded him for effecting the desired object. The
affair proceeded as well as could be wished, when in an interview
which the King of Holland had with his brother, I think at Antwerp,
he asked the Emperor why, in an affair which concerned his happiness
and the honour of his crown, he behaved with such bad faith, and ex-
posed him to such t -eatment on the part of England. The Emperor
stared at him with astonishment, and knew not what he meant.

" Whilst," continued the King of Holland, "I have in perfect good
faith sent to England an honourable man, whose presence is a suffi-
cient guarantee of my intentions, you have sent an obscure, intriguer,
for no other would accept such a mission, to treat for you without my
concurrence." — "It is false!" exclaimed the Emperor, his eyes flash-
in" with rage; "I say it is false!" — "Audi repeat that it is true,"
continued his brother. " M. Labouchere has been informed of the
fact." — "In the devil's name," exclaimed the Emperor, "to whom do
you allude? 1 know nothing of him ! . . I have sml QOOne !" L" But
your minister Fouche has," said Louis. '• I repeat, that the individual
I allude to is at presenl in London, negotiating for you, and discussing
those very interests which were to form the basis of our treaty. Is
this all the confidence I can place in a brother's promise?"

The Emperor was greatly agitated ; he turned pale, and pressed
his forehead with his hand, threw himself into his chair, and then rose
G2

351 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

n p again. At length stepping np t<> his brother, he said: " I perceive
there is some plot here ; but I know nothing of it. As a sovereign
ami a brother, 1 pledge my word of honour that I am ignorant of it. —
J )o you believe me?" — -c I do," replied Louis ; '-but it behoves you to
snk out the author of this foul intrigue. It is a duty you owe to me
as well as to your own honour. Who could have dared thus to act in
your name?" To this question the Emperor made no answer, but it
was evident that a terrible cloud was gathering in his mind. His
brow lowered, his lips were compressed, and every thing betokened .1
dreadful ebullition of rage. ': You may rely on it, 1 will discover
this tissue of deception," said he to his brother, " I have my suspicion
of the serpent who has been laying his snare."

On his return to Paris, the Emperor put the affair into the hands
of Dubois, who speedily discovered that Fouche sent agents to Eng
land much more frequently than the measures of police required.
Having found the thread of the intrigue, he soon traced out the whole
knot, and the emissary was arrested and sent to the Temple. This
man proved to be Chevalier Fagan, a returned emigrant. He confi
dently believed that he was acting on the part of the Emperor, and
had no idea that he was merely an agent of Fouche. — The result of
this affair was Fouche's disgrace, the cause of which was entirely un
known at the time.

About the same period, other events equally curious were going
on in the north of Europe. Bernadotte was chosen King of Sweden
by the States-general, assembled at Olrebro, and Charles XIII. adopted
him as his son. When Bernadotte presented himself at the Tuileriea
to announce to the Emperor his elevation to the throne of Sweden,
Napoleon did not appear inclined to allow7 him to go and reign so far
off. Bernadotte observing his scruples, said, " Would your Majesty
then elevate me above yourself, by forcing me to refuse a crown ?"
The Emperor looked confused ; but immediately recovering his pre-
sence of mind, answered, " Well ! well ! be it so ! Our destinies must
be fulfilled." Subsequent events proved that the Emperors fears c.f
Bernadotte w( re not unfounded.

ACCIDENT AT PRINCE SCHWAB.! ZEN BERGr's BALL. 355

CHAPTER XXXVTL

Dreadful accident at Prince Schwartzenberg's ball — The temporal'}' ball-room—
The Empress's courage — The Emperor's exertions to render assistance to the
sufferers — Absence of the engines — Princess Schwartzenberg burnt to death
— Escape of Prince Eugene and the Vice-Queen — Death of the Princess de
la Leyen — Madame de Br . . . . x — The Emperor's gloomy forebodings.

Letters which I received from Paris at this time informed me of the
dreadful catastrophe which occurred at Prince Schwartzenberg's ball.
I received upwards of twenty letters describing the particulars of that
awful event. This disaster, which gave rise to so many sinister fore-
bodings, took place on Sunday, July 1st. Prince Schwartzenberg
occupied the old Hotel Montesson, in the Rue de Provence ; and the
apartments not being sufficiently spacious to accommodate the im-
mense concourse of company, a temporary ball-room was constructed
m the garden. It was like a fairy palace. Flowers, perfumes, deli-
cious music, the dazzling splendour of diamonds and rubies, all com-
bined to render it a scene of Oriental enchantment. The walls of the
ball-room were covered with gold and silver brocade, and ornamented
with draperies of spangled gauze fastened by bouquets of flowers,
whilst hundreds of crystal girandoles shed their prismatic lustre over
the glittering scene.

When the fire was first discovered the Emperor was passing round
the room and conversing with the ladies. There was but one door
for the ingress and egress of the company. It was a very large one,
opening into the garden, and fronting the throne. At the back of the
throne there was a small wooden gallery, which made a communica-
tion between the ball-room and the house. It was in the augle of this
little gallery that the fire was first discovered. The ball had just com-
menced, and a great part of the company were dancing. It was at
the time remarked as very extraordinary that nobody thought of
ascending the gallery above mentioned, and escaping into the house;
but it was certainly natural to fly from the flames which issued from
the house, or at least appeared to do so. The Empress was in con-
versation with some ladies at a little distance from the throne, and
when the confusion and alarm commenced, she with gnat, sang-froid.

358 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMII T.

or perhaps it may be called courage, ascended the steps of the throne,
seated herself, and waited till the Emperor went to her. As to the
Emperor, his conduct on this occasion was beyond all praise, lie
handed the Empress into the first carriage which he found standing in
the court-yard, and accompanied her as far as the Place Louis XV.
lb' then returned alone to Prince Schwartzenberg's hotel, where he
actively exerted himself in giving orders, and assisting the persons
who had been burnt or otherwise hurt. On the Emperor's return the
engines had not yet arrived. The Austrian embassy were loud in
their praise of the noble confidence evinced by the Emperor, in return-
ing alone to the scene of terror in the middle of the night. He
remained on the spot till half past three on the following morning.

The deeply lamented victim of this catastrophe, the unfortunate
Princess Schwartzenberg, was killed by returning to the ball-room in
search of her daughter, who, however, had been saved. A lustre fell
from the ceiling on the head of the Princess, and fractured her skull.
She fell into an aperture, caused by the burning of the floor, and her
body, with the exception of her bosom and part of one arm, was burnt
to a cinder. She was recognisable only by a gold chain which she
wore round her neck, and to which was suspended a locket set round
with jewels, whose initial letters formed a motto. She was one of the
most charming women of her time : beautiful, amiable, graceful, and
accomplished.

Prince Eugene had the good fortune to perceive a small private
door behind the throne, which had been made for the use of the ser-
vants who handed round the refreshments. The Prince saved the Vice-
Queen by conducting her through that door to the interior of the
house. The Princess de la Leyen, the niece of the Prince Primate,
was burnt in a most frightful manner. Like Princess Schwartzenberg,
sne had left her daughter dancing, and returned to the ball-room to
rescue her.. The young lady and her father, after fruitlessly searching
ror the Princess, concluded that she had returned to Passy, where they
resided. On returning home, however, they found she was not there.
The family then became dreadfully alarmed. The Prince threw off
his embroidered coat and decorations, and hastened back to Paris in
search of her. Meanwhile a Swedish officer had carried out from the
burning ruins of the ball-room the almost lifeless remains of a female.
Her countenance was so blackened and disfigured that it was impos-
sible to recognise her features. The silver mounting of her diamond
tiara had melled, and penetrated into her head. Hearing a faint groan
uttered by what appeared to be merely a mass of cinder, the officer
discovered that life was not yet extinct. He conveyed the Princes*

A MELANGE OF NEWS 357

to a shop in the neighbourhood of the ambassador's hotel, where every
attention was rendered to her. After various unintelligible ejacula-
tions, the Princess was heard to utter the word Passy. Eager to ac-
complish his humane task, the officer engaged njiacre, and drove the
unfortunate lady to Passy, inquiring at every house of respectability
whether any one was missing. At length he reached the abode of the
Princess de la Leyen, whose frightful condition exceeded the worst
which the fears of her family had pictured. The unfortunate lady
expired on the following day, having lingered four-and-twenty hours in
indescribable agony.

A lady of my acquaintance, Madame de Bre — x, dame de compagnie
to Madame Mere, was at Prince Schwartzenberg's fete. On the alarm
of fire being given, she endeavoured to reach the door, but in the con-
fusion she was thrown down and trampled on. With great effort, she
succeeded in raising herself up, and crawled as she supposed to a seat,
but the floor appeared to sink under her, and she fell. She had been
unconsciously hurried into the garden, and the hollow into which she
fell was a basin, which luckily happened to be dry at the time. By
this means her life was saved, but she was dreadfully bruised, and the
scars on her arms and neck were indelible memorials of Prince
Schwartzenberg's fete. This melancholy accident, in addition to its
own immediate and fatal consequences, had the effect of creating a
sort of superstitious terror. It naturally called to mind a similar
catastrophe which occurred on the marriage of Louis XVI. and Marie
Antoinette.

The letters which I received from France brought me a mass of
intelligence, of the most extraordinary kind; for the fact is, I received
all at uncc letters which had been successively forwarded to me during
an interval of many months. They exhibited a curious melange of
successes, and reverses, losses, aggrandizements, disgraces and favours.
First there was the discharge of Fouehe, of which I had not previously
heard;* next the taking of the Isle of France by the English; — then
the pompous opening of the canal of St. Quentin; — then the union of
the Manse Towns, Holland, and several small states with the French
Empire. About the same time we took possession of the Yalais in
Switzerland, which was merely termed a department. The French
Empire then extended from the 54th to the 42d degree of latitude.
All the letters I received concurred ou one poinl : viz., that the
Emperor was greatly changed, in every respect, since his marriage.
His position was of a nature to produce in bis mind some degree of

* I here nllu<1c t,o Fouch6'a disgrace in lsio.

358 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

inquietude. The more the colossus of the Empire increased, — the
further it extruded its gigantic members around, — the more anxiety
it was likely to excite in him who had created so extraordinary and
glorious a power. Affairs had reached that critical point when even
a conquest was hut a triumph mingled with alarm. For example,
when Napoleon took possession of the Duchy of Oldenburg, he did so
fir the furtherance of his continental system, and his continental
blockade of all the coast of the North Sea. But the Emperor Alex-
ander could not be satisfied by these motives. The deposed Prince
was his brother-in-law, and when he heard of the event he angrily
exclaimed, " The Emperor Napoleon is much too selfish !" — These
words are the more remarkable inasmuch as they were uttered in the
year preceding the disasters of Russia.

The letters which I received from my friends in Paris naturally
made mention of the new Empress. The most various opinions were
pronounced upon her ; Cardinal Maury sent me a letter in which he
said, " 1 will not attempt to describe how much the Emperor is
attached to our charming Empress. This time he may be said to be
really in love ; more truly in love than he ever wras with Josephine,
for. after all, he never saw her while she was very young. She was
upwards of thirty when they were married. But Maria-Louisa is as
young and as blooming as spring. You will be enchanted with her
when you see her." Maria-Louisa's brilliant complexion particularly
charmed the cardinal. For my own part, I did not see her till after
her accouchement, and even then, though I was told that she had
grown pale, 1 thought she had too much colour, especially when in
the least heated. The cardinal was a great admirer of Maria-Louisa,
though he had wished the Emperor to marry one of the Russian
Grand Duchesses. "The Empress," added he, "in the letter above
mentioned, is gay, gracious, and 1 may even say familiar, with those
persons whom the Emperor permits her to receive in her intimate
circle •, her manners are charming to those wTho are admitted to the
petites soirees at the Tuileries. Their Majesties join the company at
reversis or billiards. I really wish that you and the Duke could see
how happy the Emperor is." I was informed by other friends that
one of the amusements of the imperial soirees, before the Emperor
entered the salon, was to see the Empress turn her ear round; for by
a movement of the muscles of the jaw, she possessed the singular
power of making her ear turn round of itself, almost in a circle. I
never heard of any one except Maria-Louisa who could do this.

The Emperor wished to remove as far as was consistent with
etiquette, a frequent cause of dissension between him and the Empress

THE KING OF RO IE. 359

Josephine, namely, the numerous visitors received by the latter.
Maria-Louisa was young and ignorant of the world, and though accus-
tomed to a great deal of court etiquette, yet her private circle had
been limited to the members of her own family. Thus the rules pre-
scribed by the Emperor neither surprised nor displeased her. One
of these rules was, that she should receive no male visitors. Paer
was the only exception, because he was her music-master; and yet it
was ordered that one of the Empress's ladies should be present while
she received her lesson. One day, while the court was at St. Cloud,
the Emperor unexpectedly presented himself in the Empress's apart-
ments. He perceived a man whose countenance he did not at first
recognise. This violation of his rule displeased him, and he expressed
himself rather angrily to the dame de service, who I think was Madame
Brignole. She replied that the gentleman was Bennais,* who had
come himself to explain the secret spring of a serre-papier which he
had been making for her Majesty. " No matter," said the Emperor,
" he is a man. My orders on this subject must not be departed from,
or we shall soon have no rules."

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Birth of the King of Rome — The Emperor's altered appearance — Description
of the young King — Napoleon at play with his son — His conversation with
Madame Junot — Rejoicings in honour of the birth of the King of Rome —
His christening — Maria-Louisa's accouchement — Madame de Montesquiou —
Apathy of Maria-Louisa — Anecdote — The young King's violent temper —
His benevolence — The widow and the orphan — The intended palace.

The birth of the King of Rome was the last smile that beamed over
the fortunes of Napoleon. How happy it rendered him ! How he
blessed himself in it! They alone can judge of the full extent of his
joy, who beheld him fondly caressing the lovely boy, and promising
by his looks all the felicity which such a man could confer on his race.
Only those who witnessed this can form any idea of the sufferings
which Napoleon must have; endured on his rock of exile, where the
portrait of the angelic child he was never more to behold, was all that
was left him.

On my return to France I found the Emperor much altered in

* BeDoaia whs goldsmith to the Emperor.

360 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY".

appeuiance. His features had acquired a paternal character. Whal
a beautiful child was the young King of Rome! How lo\ely ho
appeared as he rode through the gardens of the Tuileries in his shell-
shaped caleche, drawn by two young deer, which had been trained by
Franconi, and which were given him by his aunt, the Queen of Naples.
He resembled one of those figures of Cupid which have been discov-
ered in the ruins of Herculaneum. One clay I had been visiting the
young King, the Emperor was also there, and he was playing with tne
child — as he always played with those he loved — that is to say, he was
tormenting him. The Emperor had been riding, and held in his hand
a whip which attracted the child's notice. He stretched i»ut his little
hand, and when he seized the whip, burst into a fit of laughter, at the
same time embracing his father. — " Is he not a fine boy, Madame
Junot?" said the Emperor, "you must confess that he is." I could
say so without flattery, for he was certainly a lovely boy. — " You
were not at Paris," continued the Emperor, " when my son was born.
It was on that day I learnt how much the Parisians loved me ; it is a
cruel time for you ladies. I remember well the day that Junot left
his home when you were going to be confined ; I can understand now
why he quitted you. What did the army say on the birth of the
child?" 1 told him that the soldiers were enthusiastic during many
days : he had already heard so, but w:as happy to receive a confirma-
tion of their joy. He then pinched his son's cheek and his nose: the
child cried. " Come, come, sir," said the Emperor, " do you suppose
you are never to be thwarted, and do kings cry ?" He then ques-
tioned me about my accouchement at Ciudad-Rodrigo, and asked me
if the accounts in the English newspapers relative to it were true. I
replied they wrere too silly to be so. Two years earlier in the life of
Napoleon he would not have occupied his mind with such detail.

As soon as the. King of Rome was born, the event was announced
by telegraph to all the principal towns in the empire. At four o'clock
the same afternoon, the marks of rejoicing in the provinces equalled
those in Paris. The Emperor's couriers, pages, and officers, were
despatched to the different foreign courts with intelligence of the
happy event. The senate of Italy, and the municipal body of Rome
and Milan, had immediate notice of it. The different fortresses re-
ceived orders to fire salutes, the seaports were enlivened by the
display of colours from the vessels, and every where the people vol-
untarily illuminated their houses. Those who regard these popular
demonstrations as expressions of the secret sentiments of a people,
might hive remarked that in all the faubourgs, as well as in the low-
est and poorest quarters in Paris, the houses were illuminated to the

THE BAPTISM. 361

very uppermost stories. A fete was got up on the occasion by the
A'atermen of the Seine, which was prolonged until a late hour of the
light. Much of all this was not ordered; it came spontaneously from
the hearts of the people. That same people, who for thirty-five years
previously had experienced so many emotions, had wept over so many
reverses, and had rejoiced for so many victories, still showed by their
enthusiasm on this occasion, that they retained affections as warm and
rivid as in the morning of their greatness.

The King of Rome was baptized on the very day of his birth,
the 20th of March, 1811. The ceremony was performed at nine in
the evening, in the chapel of the Tuileries. The whole of the impe-
rial family attended, and the Emperor witnessed the ceremony with
the deepest emotion. Napoleon proceeded to the chapel followed by
the members of the household, those of the Empress, of Madame
Mere, the Princesses his sisters, and of the Kings his brothers. He
took his station under a canopy in the centre of the. chapel, having
before him a stool to kneel on. A socle of granite had been placed
on a carpet of white velvet embroidered with gold bees, and on the
socle stood a gold vase destined for the baptismal font. When the
Emperor approached the font, bearing the King of Rome in his arms,
the most profound silence pervaded. It was a religious silence, unac-
companied by the parade which might have been expected on such an
occasion. This stillness formed a striking contrast with the joyous
acclamations of the people outside.

Maria-Louisa suffered a difficult and protracted accouchement.
She was for some time in considerable danger. Baron Dubois went
to acquaint the Emperor with this circumstance. Napoleon was in a
bath, which he had been ordered to calm the feverish excitement
under which he was suffering. On hearing that the Empress was in
danger, he threw on his robe-de-chambre, and ran down stairs, exclaim-
ing to Dubois, " Save the mother ! think only of the mother !" As
soon as she was delivered, the Emperor, who was himself indisposed,
entered the chamber and ran to embrace her, without at first bestow-
ing a single look upon his sou, who indeed might have passed foi
dead. Nearly ten minutes elapsed before he evinced any signs of
life. Every method to produce animation was resorted to. Warm
napkins were wrapped round him, and his body was rubbed with the
hand; a few drops of brandy were then blown into his mouth, and
the royal infant at length uttered a feeble cry.

It is somewhat strange that so much doubl existed at the time of

the birth of the King of Rome, as to whether he ivally was a sou of

Maria-Louisa. We have had in later times a similar negation of the

862 NAPOLEON", HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

authenticity of the Duke of Bordeaux, Henry V. of France;. Bat
such is often the fate of heirs to thrones. Was there any thing ex
traordinary that Maria-Lousia, at nineteen years of age, fresh and
blooming, should become a mother after eleven months of marriage'?
and that this event should take place in the presence of twenty-two
persons actual eye-witnesses to the birth? I cannot conceive how
persons of common sense could at the moment, and even since, allow
their imaginations to work so wickedly, and this in the face of impos-
sibility.*

Future ages will learn if it be true, that England refused to have
placed on the coffin of the victim of St. Helena, that he died of ill
treatment at the hands of those who had the care of him. The res-
toration caused the destruction of prints, medals, and statues, likely
to create a hatred or a jealousy : but was the enthusiasm at the
restoration of the Bourbons equal to the joy of the people of Paris,
when the first gun announced that Maria-Louisa was a mother 1 The
most important affairs, as well as the ordinary occupations and duties,
were one and all suspended ; the people flocked to the Tuileries, hats
were thrown up in the air, persons were seen kissing each other, tears
were shed, but they were tears of joy. At 11 o'clock Madame Blan
chard rose in a balloon from the square of the military school, to
announce to the people in the environs of Paris the birth of the son
of the Emperor, yes. of the son of the Emperor Napoleon.

An immense multitude besieged the doors of the palace during
many days, to obtain intelligence of the infant and of the Empress.
The Emperor, on learning this, directed that a chamberlain should be
constantly in one of the rooms to publish the bulletins of the Em
press's health as soon as they were delivered by the physicians.

I have already mentioned the Emperor's fondness for his son.
He used to take the King of Rome in his arms and toss him up in
the air. The child would then laugh till the tears stood in his eyes;
sometimes the Emperor would take him before a looking-glass, and
work his face into all sort of grimaces; and if the child was frightened
and shed tears, Napoleon would say, " What, Sire, do you cry 1 A
king, and cry ? Shame ! shame !"

The hours at which the young King was taken to the Emperoi
were not precisely fixed, nor could they be ; out his visits were mosl
frequently at the time of dejeuner. On these occasions the Emperor

* The marriage of the Emperor and Maria-Louisa took place before the
eivil authorities at St Cloud, the 1st of April, 1810, at two o'clock in the after-
noon : the following day the religious ceremon}- was performed in the great
gallery of the Louvre.

MADAME DE MONTESQUIOU. 363

would give the child a little claret, by dipping his finger in the glass
and making him suck it. Sometimes he would daub the young
Prince's face with gravy. The child would laugh heartily at seeing
his father as much a child as he was himself, and only loved him the
more for it. Children invariably love those who play with them. I
recollect that once when Napoleon had daubed the young King's face,
the child was highly amused, and asked the Emperor to do the same
to Maman Quiou, for so he called his governess, Madame de Mon-
tesquiou.

The Emperor's selection of that lady for his son's governess was
a proof of bis excellent judgment. It was the best choice which
could have been made. Madame de Montesquiou was young enough
to render herself agreeable to a child, whilst she had sufficient ma-
turity of years to fit her for the high duty which the confidence of
her Sovereign had appointed her to fulfil. She was noble in heart as
well as in name ; and she possessed what the world frequently be-
stows only on fortune and favour — the esteem of all. She was indeed
universally beloved and respected.

The attentions she bestowed on the King of Rome during the
period of his father's misfortune, would in itself be sufficient to in-
spire love and respect. Not only had she, from the hour of his birth,
lavished on him all the cares of a mother, and a tender mother, but
from the day when the unfortunate child was cut oft' from all his
family, and deprived at once of his father and mother, Madame de
Montesquiou devoted herself to him, for she alone was left to protect
him. To accompany him, she deserted country, friends, and family.
Madame de Montesquiou was not liked by the Empress, and the
cause has never been satisfactorily ascertained. If has been said by
way of compliment to Maria-Lousia, that she never did any one an
injury ; yet she possessed an apathy of soul, from the influence of
which the governess of her child was not exempt. And what sort
of love did she show fir her own child ? I have seen Maria-Louisa,
when she was mounting or alighting from her horse, nod her plumed
head to him, which never failed to set him crying ; for he, was fright-
cm d by the undulation of her feathers. At other times, "when she
did not go out, she would repair at four o'clock to his apartment.
On these occasions she would take witli her a piece of tapestry, with
which she would sit down and make a Bhow of working, looking now
and then at the little King, ami saying, as she nodded her head,
' B~;vjm/r, honjourP Perhaps after the lapse of a quarter of an
nour, the a in/ a .st mother would be informed that [sabev or Paer were
in attendance in her apartments; the one to give her lessons in draw-

384: NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

ing, the other in music. It would have been as well had she remained
longer every day with her child, to take a lesson in maternal feeling
from the woman who so admirably supplied her place. But it would
have been of little use — feeling is not to be taught.

Every morning at nine o'clock the young King was taken to the
Empress. She would sometimes hold him on her lap, caress him,
and then commit him to the care of the nurse. And how did she
employ herself afterwards 1 she read the papers. When the child
grew peevish, because he was not amused as his father used to amuse
him. and cried at finding himself surrounded by serious and formal
Faces, his mother ordered him out of the room.

When 1 arrived in Paris on my return from Spain, the Emperor
and Empress had just completed a tour in the north of France, in
the departments of Calvados anl „,a Manehe. The christening of
the King of Rome took place on their return from this journey.
There have already been so many descriptions of this ceremony, that
it would be superfluous to enter into a fresh detail of it. I will
merely mention that the young Prince received names which show
that the alliances formed by Sovereigns, the vows made at the bap
tismal font, the adoption by every religious formality and the ties of
blood, are mere fallacies. He was christened Napoleon-Francois-
Charles-Joseph ! these are the names of his godfathers ; they stand
upon the register of his baptism, and they also appear on the tomb
which closed over him at the early age of twenty-one. Who is there
among us who does not recollect those days when he was still gra-
cious and beautiful 1 There is a print of him which is now very
scarce ; he is kneeling, his hands joined, and below are the words, " I
pray God for my father and for France." To the copy I have, the
following are added : " I pray God for France and for my father ;"
■ — lower down, " We now pray for thee !"

One of the ushers of the chamber, with whom I was lately con-
versing wept like a child at his recollections of the young Prince.
This man told me that the King of Rome one morning ran to the
state, apartments, and reached the door of the Emperor's cabinet
alone, for Madame de Montesquiou was unable to follow him. The
child raised his beautiful face to the usher, and said, " Open the door
for me ; 1 wish to see papa." — " Sire," replied the man, " I cannot
let your Majesty in." — " Why not ? I am the little King." — " But
your Majesty is alone." The Emperor had given orders that his son
should not be allowed to enter his cabinet unless accompanied by his
governess. This order was issued for the purpose of giving the
young Prince, whose disposition was somewhat inclined to wayward

THE YOUNG KING'S VIOLENT TEMPER. 3(35

ness, u high idea of his governess's authority. On receiving this
denial from the usher, the Prince's eyes became suffused with tears,
but he said not a word. He waited till Madame de Montesquiou
came up, which was in less than a minute afterwards. Then he seized
her hand, and looking proudly at the usher, he said, " Open the door,
the little King desires it." The usher then opened the door of the
cabinet, and announced, " His Majesty the King of Rome."

A great deal has been said of the young King's violent temper.
it is true he was self-willed, and was easily excited to passion ; but
this was one of the distinctive characteristics of his cousins ; they
almost all partook of similar hastiness of temper. I have known
Achille Murat so violently overcome by strong passion as to be
thrown into convulsions ; and this wheii he was of the same age as
the King of Rome. Madame de Montesquiou once corrected the
young King for these fits of passion. On another occasion, when he
was very violent, she had all the shutters of the windows closed,
though it was broad daylight. The child, astonished to find the light
of day excluded and the candles lighted up, inquired of his governess
why the shutters were closed, " In order that no one may hear you,
Sire," replied she. " The French would never have you for their
king if they knew you to be so naughty." — "Have I," said he, "cried
very loud?" — "You have." — " But did they hear me?" — " I fear they
have." Then he fell to weeping, but these were tears of repentance.
He threw his little arms round his governess's neck, and said, " I will
never do so again, Mamma Quiou ! pray forgive me."

It happened one day that the King of Rome entered the Em
peror's cabinet just as the council had finished their deliberations.
He ran up to his father without taking any notice of any one in the
room. Napoleon, though happy to observe these marks of affection,
so natural, and coming so directly from the heart, stopped him, and
said, " You have not made your bow, Sire ! Come, make your obe-
dience to these gentlemen." The child turned, and bowing his head
gently, kissed his little hand to the ministers. The Emperor then
raised him in his arms, ami addressing them, said, "I hope, gentle,
men, it will not be said that I neglect my son's education : he begins
to understand infantine civility."

Young Napoleon was an amiable child, and he became more so as
he advanced in age. I know many affecting sim-ies of him, which
indicate the goodness .,f his heart. When he was at St. Cloud, he
liked to he placed .'it the window in order that lie mighl see the peo-
ple passing by. One day he perceived at some distance .i young
woman apparently in great grief, holding by the ham1 a little l>o_y

366 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

about his own age. Both were habitted in mourning. The child
Held in his hand a paper, which he raised towards the window at
which young Napoleon stood. "Why is he dressed in black?" in-
quired the young King of his governess. " Because, no doubt, he lias
lost his father. Do you wish to know what he wants?" The Empe-
ror had given orders that his son should always be accessible to
those in misfortune who wished to make any application to him by
petition. The petitioners were immediately introduced, and tiny
proved to be a young widow and her son. Her husband had died
about three months previously, of some wounds he had received in
Spain, and hi<a widow solicited a pension. Madame de Montesquiou,
thinking that this conformity of age between the little orphan and the
young King might move the feelings of the latter, placed the petition
in his hands. She was not deceived in her expectations. His heart
was touched at the sight of the young petitioner. The Emperor was
then on a hunting-party, and the petition could not be presented to
him until next morning at breakfast. Young Napoleon passed the
whole of the day in thoughtfulness, and when the appointed hour
arrived he left his apartment to pay his respects to his father. He
took care to present the petition apart from all the rest he carried,
and this of his own accord.

" Here is a petition, papa," said he, " from a little boy. He is
dressed all in black.* His papa has been killed in your service, and
his mamma wants a pension, because she is poor and has much to
vex her." — " Ah ! ah !" said the Emperor, taking his son in his arms,
"you already grant pensions, do you? Diable! you have begun
betimes. Come, let us see who this protege of yours is." The
widow had sufficient grounds for her claim; but in all probability
they would not have been attended to for a year or twro, had it not
been for the King of Rome's intercession. The brevet of the pension
was made out that very day, and a year's arrears added to the
order

Who can have forgotten the day when the Emperor took his son
to a review7 in the Champ de Mars 1 How his features brightened
with pleasure on hearing the joyous acclamations raised by his
veteran bands. " Was he frightened ?" inquired the Empress. —
"Frightened! no, surely," replied Napoleon; "he knew he was sur
rounded by his father's friends." This expression of the Emperor
produced an intoxication of joy amidst the ranks of the soldiers,

* It would seem that the mournful habiliments of the child had made <
strong impression on the young prince's mind.

ALLIANCE BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND SPAIN. 367

After the review Napoleon conversed some time with the architect
M. Fontaine, on the subject of the palace intended to be built for the
King of Rome, on the elevated ground immediately facing the Mili
tary School. The word " Rome" brought to the recollection of the
Emperor that he himself had never been in that city; "but," added
he, "I shall certainly go there some day, for it is the city of my little
King."

CHAPTER XXXIX.

Projected alliance between Great Britain and Spain — Count Charles de Chatil-
lon — Napoleon's ideas respecting the war in Spain — Taking of Mount Serrat
and Valencia — Napoleon's recollections at St. Helena — Probability of French
supremacy in Spain — Confederation of tbe North — Bad faith of Russia —
Treaty of Tilsit — Humiliation of Russia — Embassy of the Duke de Vicenza
to St. Petersburg — The Duke de Rovigo — The affair of the Duke d'Enghien
— Duke de Vicenza recalled to France — General Lauriston sent in kis stead
— Fancy quadrilles at court — The Princess Borghese and the Queen of
Naples.

In 1811 Mr. Hamilton, the English minister for foreign affairs, con-
ceived the project of forming an alliance with Spain. This was a bold
but excellent plan; yet it was not easy of execution, because no
relations then existed between Spain and Great Britain. ]\Ir. Hamil-
ton adopted the following scheme to accomplish his object. He
employed a Frenchman who was an emigrant in England. This
Frenchman was Count Charles de Chatillon, a man distinguished for
his talents and excellent character. I knew him well, and he has
frequently related to me all the particulars of this affair. lie was
directed to go to Madrid, and to inform Joseph that England would
recognise him as King of Spain on condition of his sending away all
the French who were in the Peninsula, to which Greal Britain pledg< d
herself to ensure complete inviolability of territory. Mr. Hamilton
was the same minister who had already proposed to Lucien to form
a sort of league against France and the Emperor, The disaster of
Moscow, however, obviated the necessity of attempting to execute
Mr. Hamilton's schemes relative, to Spain. As to Joseph, I think I
may say with confidence that he loved his brother too well, and
prized his own honour too highly, to accede to the proposition.

The Emperor had conceived singular notions respecting the war

368 NAFOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

in Spain; he had heard the opinions of men well acquainted with the
subject, and yet nothing could break the delusive spell which the hope
of that conquesl had thrown over him. Thus, the mortification he-
experienced at a check, was manifested in the reception which he gave
to Massena, and the gratification of a triumph was expressed in the
reward given to Suchet. It was in allusion to the taking of Tarra-
gona, that the Emperor said, "Suchet — the Marshal's baton is in
Tarragona," and Suchet gained it ! The Emperor had greatly
changed since the time when he commanded the army of Ij /. At
Lodi, and at Areola, he threw himself into the midst of the enemy's
fire to induce his soldiers to follow him-: — now he threw a baton into
the trench, and said, "Go and fetch it."

The brave Suchet, as an acknowledgment of the Emperor's bounty,
immediately took Mount Serrat, a fortified mountain of which each
hermitage was a redoubt, and every hermit a stanch partisan. The
kingdom of Valencia next opened before the army of Arragon. The
port of Oropesa and its old walls were stained with the blood of
Suchet. At length he arrived before Valencia and entered it victo-
riously. To Suchet, the war of Spain was merely a military tour;
and at his resting-places, he planted the national flag on the Moorish
or Roman walls of the ancient cities, which are scattered through the
provinces of Spain. The Emperor conceived a cordial friendship for
Marshal Suchet. He overwhelmed him with marks of favour. Ti-
tles, fortune, rank, all were lavishly bestowed upon him. The title
of Duke of Albufera was accompanied by a majorat producing a
rental of 500,000 livres. This was the richest endowment that
Napoleon ever made. The war had long kept the Duke of Albufera
distant from Paris; he was absent during seven years. At the expira-
tion of that time he returned to France, which he had left with the
rank of a general commanding a division ; possessing, it is true, a
good military reputation ; but still merely a general. When he
returned, he was a Marshal of the Empire, a Duke, a Colonel of the
Imperial Guard, and Commander-in-chief of the two armies of Cata-
lonia and Arragon. Thus, when the Emperor saw him, he said,
'• Marshal Suchet, you have grown a great deal since I saw you last."
Napoleon said at St. Helena, in those hours of captivity, the languor
of which he tried to divert by his recollections of past happiness,
" Suchet was a man, the vigour of whose mind and character in-
creased wonderfully." All will admit that words pre nounced on a
death-bed have so solemn a character that the voic which utters
them, however feeble, vibrates for ever in the mina. Tne words I
have above quoted were addressed to Dr. O'Meara, and as 1 conceive

SUCCESSES IN SPAIN". 369

that the agonies of death commenced with Napoleon from rhe day
when he set foot on St. Helena, I regard every word he uttered on
his rock of exile as those of a dying man. Being questioned one day
by Dr. O'Meara respecting his (Napoleon's) opinion of the. gunerals
whom he had left in France, he replied, " I give the preference to .
Suchet. Before his time Massena was the first; but he may be con-
sidered as dead. Suchet, Clausel, and Gerard, are now in my opinion
the best French generals." The Memoirs of Madame Campan men-
tion that Napoleon speaking of Suchet, once said, "It is a pity that
Sovereigns cannot improvise men like him. If I had had two marshals
such as Suchet, I should not only have conquered Spain, but I should
have kept it."

The powerful efforts made by Napoleon to sustain himself in
Spain seemed likely, about the close of the year 1811, to lead to the
submission of that country. We were established in Catalonia and
Arragon by the victories of Suchet ; whilst advancing to the gates of
Cadiz, we were completing the conquest of the four kingdoms of
Andalusia. The passage of the Sierra-Morena — the dispersion of
the central Junta — the extraordinary Cortes assembled at the Isle of
Leon, issuing every day contradictory decrees — the Council of Re-
gency, still disputing with the other authorities — those troubles which
the heads of the new government had not the power or perhaps the
will to check — all this placed us in an advantageous posture. King
Joseph must have remarked it in his visit to Andalusia, the whole of
which he journeyed through, and had ample opportunities of convinc-
ing himself, that every where the people were weary of the wat.
The Spaniards disliked the English, and were averse to any union
with them. Consequently, in spite of the victories of Lord Welling-
ton, our precipitate retreat and all the misfortunes of the Arapiles,
the probability is, that we might have kept Spain. The Spaniards
themselves were of this opinion; hundreds of families returned to the
mother country, and accepted office under the new government ; and,
as was observed by a brave and patriotic Spaniard (Don Gonzalo
O'Farrill), applicants multiplied to as gnat an extent as in the most
peaceful days of the monarchy

But when threats were uttered by the Emperor of Russia — when
(he Emperor Francis forgot that Napoleon was his son-in-law- when
Prussia fi>rLr"t all her solemn pledges of friendship and alliance — .
when, in short, the formidable league of the North began to count its
legions to ascertain whether it was Btrong enough to resist France — ■
then the ill-feeling of the Peninsula was revived, and the little confi.
dence which our troops had recovered was lost. England, foreseeing
63

370 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

our disasters in the north of Europe, exerted herself, and increased hei
efforts in the Peninsula. One of the columns of his empire, on the
stability of which Napoleon mosl confidently relied, was the confede-
ration of the North. This confederation, which was originally con
eeived by Henry IV. and executed by Napoleon, would have been a
glorious work, had it been accomplished for other purposes than those
which Napoleon had in view. He -oinmittcd another grand mistake
in utterly neglecting the German people. He courted the confederal
Sovereigns, whilst their subjects were the real power which he ought
to have conciliated.

A treaty had been concluded between Russia and the Porte, and
it was alleged that Napoleon knew nothing of it. Whether this was
or was not the fact, may be a matter of doubt; but it is certain that
Russia had begun to evince ill faith. She kept up the mask of friend-
ship which she had assumed at Tilsit, merely because she did not think
the moment was yet favourable for raising the standard of war.
When the treaty of Tilsit was signed between Alexander and Napo
leon, it will scarcely be imagined that the latter could be so far
imposed upon, as to place faith in an alliance founded only on pre-
tended sentiments of esteem and friendship. The natural conclusion
is, that there was some degree of sincerity in the sentiment so loudly
proclaimed by the Emperor Alexander. The fact is, that from the
moment when Napoleon forced Russia to sign a treaty which was cal-
culated to degrade her in the eyes of the whole world, he ought to
nave fairly expected a reprisal. Massena, by beating Korsakoff on
the Limuth, had dimmed the brilliant legacy of glory left by Catherine
II., Austerlitz further obscured it, and the Polish war and the treaty
of Tilsit completed the humiliation. Napoleon was therefore guilty of
imprudence, to use no stronger term, in withdrawing his forces from
the north to transfer them to Spain and Italy, thus leaving the field
open to Alexander.

The whole of the year 1811 was spent in the interchange of fruit-
less communications. On the 5th of April, the Duke de Bassano was
appointed minister for foreign affairs. On the 6th, he addressed a
note to Prince Kourakin to demand explanations. In his answer, the
Prince again spoke of the Duchy of Oldenburg. He might as well
have talked of the dowry of Queen Mandane. The Prince was asked
what was meant by the army of 80,000 men who were assembling by
order of the cabinet of St. Petersburg'? The ambassador, like a pacific
man as he was, replied that the Duke de Bassano wras probably jest
ing with him, that he knew of no army, and that such questions were
very annoying to the Emperor, his master.

EMBASSY TO RUSSIA. 371

The cause of several of our misfortunes — I may perhaps say, oui
greatest misfortunes during the year 1811, may be traced to the
embassy of the Duke of Vicenza to St, Petersburg. This will not
appear surprising when I relate the following particulars :

Napoleon had sent the Duke de Rovigo to St. Petersburg, not in
the quality of ambassador, but merely as extraordinary envoy. The
attentions which the Emperor Alexander had shown the Duke at
Austerlitz and Erfurth, led Napoleon to presume that he could not
make a better choice of an envoy. But it was necessary to think of
an ambassador. The Emperor, who had his caprices like every body
else, attached great importance to external qualifications in making a
choice of this kind. The Duke de Vicenza was a man of handsome
figure and dignified deportment. His manners were as elegant as
those of any man in France. He was noble in himself, and he had
been ennobled by Napoleon. These considerations, joined to others,
which I do not pretend to know, caused the Duke of Vicenza to be
appointed ambassador from France to St. Petersburgh. But no sooner
was this appointment known in the salons of St. Petersburgh, than it
was unanimously resolved that M. de Caulaincourt should not be
received by any body. This determination was dictated by no feelings
of hostility to France; for the Duke de Rovigo was cordially received
in every circle. One day the subject being alluded to in the presence
of the Duke de Rovigo, he inquired what there was objectionable in
the new ambassador, when he was informed that M. de Caulaincourt
could not be received in any house of St. Petersburgh on account of
the terrible affair of the Duke d'Enghien.

Savary had his faults, but he also had merits, which in some
measure counterbalanced them. He was a good Frenchman, and was
sincerely attached to the Emperor. On hearing a charge which struck
immediately at his master, and whose counter-stroke rebounded upon
his comrade, he became irritated, and several warm altercations ensued
between him and some individuals of the court of St. Petersburgh. On
one of these occasions he lost all self-command, and addressing him-
si If to a gentleman who had spoken in an offensive way on the subject
ii question, said, "You are mistaken, sir, the Duke of Vicenza had
nothing to do with the affair of the Duke d'Enghien. It was I, — I,
who now have the honour of addressing you, who ordered the Prince
to be shot." The person to whom these words were spoken stood
almost petrified, and could not utter a word in reply. On his return
to Paris, the Duke de Rovigo found M. de Caulaincourt preparing to
set out on his embassy, and he frankly told him all the difficulties lie
would have to encounter, together with the cause in which the}

Brl NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

originated. M. do Caulaincourt was alarmed ; for though brave on
the field of battle, he had not the spirit requisite to face danger in pri
vate life. He thought of resigning his appointment, but that was
impossible. I low could he present himself to the Emperor and say,
'• Sire, I cannot go to St. Petersburgh, because I am accused of having
delivered up the Duke d'Enghien to you !''

In his perplexity he flew to consult B . . . . r, and, after a long
deliberation, the following plan was determined on to relieve the
Duke of Vicenza from his embarrassment. A series of instructions
were drawn up, so as to appear as if they had been given by B .... r
in the Emperor's name, at the time of the death of the Duke d'Enghien,
and the Duke of Vicenza set out provided with his defence. On his
arrival at St. Petersburgh he found, as Savary had announced, a for
midable league raised against him. No visit was paid to him ; and
when any one was under the necessity of saluting him, it was done as
coldly as possible. The Duke of Vicenza was too high spirited to
submit to this sort of treatment. He appealed to the Czar himself,
and demanded justice. The Emperor Alexander expressed such vio
lent displeasure against the offenders, that he seemed ready to send
the whole of his court to Tobolsk. The Duke of Vicenza thought this
was the proper moment for presenting his justification. "This accu
sation is the more painful to me," said he to the Emperor, "inasmuch
as I am not guilty, which I can easily prove."

Thereupon he put his hand in his pocket and drew out his defence,
which he constantly carried about with him, and, presenting it to the
Emperor, begged he would read it ; but Alexander was more than
satisfied. An ambassador from Napoleon ! a Duke of the Empire !
a grand officer of the crown of France was kneeling before him, and
praying not only that he would protect him, but compel his subjects
to show honour to him ! The Duke of Vicenza did not comprehend
the peculiar positions in which the Emperor Alexander and he himself
stood ; but the Czar was shrewd enough to judge them at a glance.
He profited by his advantage ; he raised the Duke of Vicenza, and
thought he could not do better than grant him his friendship. By
securing a claim on the gratitude of Napoleon's ambassador, the posi
tion of that ambassador became an affair which he had at his disposal.
He therefore spared no efforts to conciliate the feelings of a man who
could never have been induced to become a traitor. It was, indeed,
with the most entire devotedness to the Emperor Napoleon that M.
de Caulaincourt ruined the interests of his master.

A person who was an eye-witness to this scene of the. grand drama
of 1812 assured me that it was curious to see the impatience of M.

RECALL JF THE DUKE OF VICENZA. 373

de Caulaincourt, when he was urged to bring the cabinet of St. Peters-
burgh to an explanation on the subject of the army of eighty thousand
men which was now being organized. "No such thing is in agitation,"
he wrote to the Duke of Bassano. " It is the more to be lamented
that these reports should be suffered to reach the Emperor Napoleon,
since the Emperor Alexander is much displeased even at the appear-
ance of his distrust." His blindness was inconceivable to those who
were ignorant of the plans which had been laid, not to corrupt, but to
seduce him. When the Duke of Vicenza presented to Alexander the
pretended instructions of B .... r, the Emperor said : " M. de Caulain-
court, I will not read them. I have long since been acquainted with
every thing that can be known relative to the unfortunate death of the
Duke d'Enghien. The Duke of Baden is my brother-in-law ; his
court is, in some degree, a portion of mine. You may, therefore, be
certain that I know the truth of all that concerns you. I know your
innocence. I affirm this on my word of honour, and I hope that pledge
will be received." So saying, he smiled, and presented his hand to
the Duke of Vicenza. From that moment M. de Caulaincourt was
devoted to the Emperor Alexander. The latter was too adroit, and
it may be said too generous, to render by halves the justice which he
had promised should be complete. What he had said in his cabinet
he repeated publicly in his court, and from that moment the affair of
the Duke d'Enghien was never alluded to, except for the purpose of
affirming the innocence of M. de Caulaincourt.

When the French minister for foreign affairs addressed to the
Duke of Vicenza a very urgent note relative to the assembling of the
Russian troops, a petulant answer was returned, and these words were
used : " I shall make no further reply to inquiries which appear to me
to be absurd." Such was the course pursued by our ambassador,
when levies of troops were being made in every part of Russia ; —
when the cabinet of St. Petersburgh was arranging the basis of a treaty
with the Divan; — when Sweden solicited and obtained the promise of
Norway for her treason; — when, in short, every thing was flagrant
and positive. In spite of his prepossession in favour of M. de Caulain-
court, Napoleor. saw that, though his principles were correct, his
policy was not so; or rather, it was so far incorrect as to render it
advisable to appoint another ambassador to take his place. M. de
Lauriston was therefore sent to St. Petersburgh to supersede him.
Lauriston had received special orders from Napoleon to obtain an
immediate audience of the Emperor Alexander, and to bring him to
an explanation on the subject of the army. The audience was granted.

" Monsieur de Lauriston," said Alexander, - I am much vexed to

374 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

■•I serve that seeds of discord arc sown between the Emperor Napo
leon and mc; they can produce nothing hut evil fruit. It is strange
that 1 should he suspected of intentions so perverse as those which are
attributed to me in France. I assemble an army, sir! Where is if?
Eighty thousand men cannot be assembled in secret. If you will
bave the goodness to appoint officers who will serve as guides to
mine, they shall go together to reconnoitre this army which is said to
be entering upon my territory, without my knowledge, without the
knowledge of my subjects. You must confess the thing is absurd !"

Lauriston was greatly perplexed on leaving the cabinet of the
Fn.peror Alexander, and he wrote a most strange letter to France.
He, too, was under the influence of a sort of fascination. The tone of
irony, mingled with the positive confidence of the denial, left no room
for doubt. But this delusion was not of long duration; Napoleon had
received positive information respecting the assembling of the troops;
but it was not until some time afterwards that he was made acquainted
with the treaty between Russia and Turkey.

The prospect of a new war cast a gloom over society in generul,
but particularly around the court. It was in vain that the Emperor
ordered balls, parties, and quadrilles. Maria-Louisa was surrounded
by young and handsome women who were commanded by Napoleon
to exert every nerve to render her gay : but these ladies had brothers,
fathers, husbands, and lovers, so that the joys of the court were forced
pleasures, and not joys springing from the heart. About this time,
a fancy quadrille was to be danced in the theatre of the palace in
which the two sisters of the Emperor were to act the principal parts.
The Princess Borghese was that evening the most perfect idea of
beauty that can be imagined. She represented Italy : on her head
she wore a light casque of burnished gold, surmounted with small
ostrich feathers of spotless white. Her bosom was covered with an
jEgis of golden scales, to which wras attached a tunic of Indian muslin
embroidered in gold. The most exquisite part of her appearance
was her arms and her feet : the former were encircled with gold
bracelets, in which were enchased the most beautiful cameos belong-
ing to the house of Borghese, which is known to possess the most
rich collection of gems : her little feet were shod with slender sandals
of purple silk, the bands of which were gold ; at each point where the
latter crossed on the leg, was affixed a magnificent camaieu : the sash
which held the ^Egide on her bosom, was of solid gold, and the centre
was ornamented with that most precious of the Borghese collection — ■
the dying Medusa: to all this splendour and rich magnificence was
added a short pike highly embossed with gold and precious stones,

ROYAL QUADRILLES. 375

which she earned m her hand. Her appearance was that of a fairy
apparition, almost without substance, something celestial.

Her sister, the Queen of Naples, represented France ; but she
was indeed a caricature when beside Pauline. Her figure was
naturally inelegant, short, and rather stout : there was no grace in her
dress, which was composed of a heavy mantle of purple, and a long
robe beneath. She wore also a helmet and plume of feathers ; but
amidst all this assemblage of gold, of pearls and rich ornaments, we
still admired her pretty smiling and fresh face, shining in brilliancy,
notwithstanding the grotesque confusion with which it was sur-
rounded.

The same evening a second quadrille was danced, which was also
extremely brilliant. M. Charles de Lagrange, who was a very
handsome man, an aide-de-camp to Berthier, was dressed to imitate
Apollo : M. de Gals de Malvirade, first page to the Emperor, was a
zephyr : the charming and beautiful Madame de Mesgrigni represent-
ed Flora, or Spring : Madame Legrand was to have personated Love
in this quadrille, but her husband, the general, wrote to her on the
eve of the gala day, that she should not act the wily part of Cupid at
the court quadrilles. Madame Regnault de St. Jean d'Angely,
Madame de Rovigo, Madame Duchatel, Madame Gazani, Madame
de Bassano, were very conspicuous among a crowd of elegant women
who took part in these brilliant scenes.

CHAPTER XL.

The Pope at Savona — The Kingdom of Haiti — Coronation of Christophe—
State of Europe — Our allies — Junot sent to Milan — Bernadotte — He rejects
Napoleon's overtures of reconciliation — Victories in Spain — Sachet created
Duke d'Albufera — The Emperor's departure for Germany — His interview
with Francis II. — War between Great Britain ami America — The Emperor
proclaims war with Russia — Removal of the Spanish Royal family to Rome
— Josephine's altered appearand — \1<t exquisite taste in Iress — Madame
Mere and Maria Louisa — The Queens at Aix — Talma ami the Princess
Pauline — Conspiracy against, the Empress Josephine —Madame Ivecamier at
Lyons — My interview with her.

The Pope still remained a prisoner at Savona. He did not come to
reside al Fontainebleau till after the departure of the Emperor. In
the meanwhile, some curious scenes were passing in another quarter

376 NAPOLEON, BIS COURT AND FAMILY.

of the world. Henri Christopho was crowned King of Haiti, and a
capuchin, named Corneille Brell, anointed him with cocoa-nut oil.
In L804, this same capuchin had anointed the Emperor Dessalines.
The grand officers of the crown were entitled Duke of Marmalade,
Count Lemonade, etc. The constitution of the kingdom of Haiti was
copied from the French constitution of 1804. This parody, or a
great empire and a great sovereign, gave birth at the time to many
amusing pleasant lies. The French portion of St, Domingo was, by
the new arrangement of affairs, divided into two states on the death
of Dessalines, the monster of the Antilles. The mulattoes wished to
change the form of the government of St. Domingo, and to establish
a republic with an elective president. Christophe was elected presi-
dent of the republic of Haiti for four years, and Petion, another
mulatto, denounced him. Christophe then placed a crown upon his
woolly head, and made toys of sceptres and subjects.

AYhilst the pomps and ceremonies of Christophe's coronation
occupied the negroes of the Antilles, Europe was threatened with
convulsion even to the depths of her ancient foundations. Empires
tottered and menaced each other with mutual destruction. France
was preparing for the conflict like a victorious warrior. As to Russia,
whose hostile intentions could no longer be concealed, she seemed
anxious to give the signal for battle. The other powers were still
timid, for their yet bleeding wounds reminded them that Napoleon
would severely punish perjury. The Duke de Bassano had spent the
whole of the past year in endeavouring to gain auxiliaries. Austria,
though our ally, seemed unwilling to oppose Russia. Prussia showed
herself still less favourably disposed, and M. de Krussmarck, who
was then at the head of the Prussian cabinet, appeared unwilling to
make any concession. Yet nothing was more important than to
secure the alliance of Prussia ; it wras necessary that she should act
with us, or be destroyed. M. de Krussmarck plainly saw that
Prussia was lost if France took only a cottage on her frontier.
Accordingly, on the 24th of February, 1812, a treaty offensive and
defensive was signed between France and the cabinet of Berlin.
With regard to Austria, she was our natural ally, but she was still
more our natural enemy. We soon saw the fatal result of that
alliance, on which the Emperor so confidently relied. Then Denmark
and the confederation of the Rhine ; all were for us, when the first
trumpet sounded the signal for marching. Junot had been taking
the baths of Bareges, which had greatly improved his health, and he
now earnestly solicited the Emperor to give him a military command.
Napoleon sent lrm to Milan to take the command of the troops who

BERNADOTTE. 377

rere in Italy, and to inarch them towards the north. Junot was
highly satisfied at this appointment, and left Paris at the moment,
when the treaty offensive and defensive was about to be signed with
Austria. That treaty gave us a subsidy of 30,000 men and 60 pieces
of cannon. Prince Schwartzenberg was to command the Austrian
troops.

On the 26th March the same year, Sweden signed a treaty wilh
Russia. A marshal of France was about to point the cannon of his
new kingdom against his own countrymen — against his brother in
arms — and against the man of whose glory it had so long been
alleged that he was jealous. Pie sold himself for a province. Norway
was promised to Sweden, and immediately Sweden unfurled the
standard of war against France. Napoleon made the first advance
for a reconciliation with his old brother in arms; but his propositions,
though presented through the medium of a friendly hand, and one
that the Emperor supposed would be agreeable to King John,* were
however not accepted. The King of Sweden resolved to lend his aid
in pulling clown the colossus. This conduct was not very honourable
to him. Pie alleged in his defence, that on the 26th of January,
General Friant had taken possession of Stralsund, on the part of
France, and had entered Swedish Poni crania by order of the Empe-
ror ; but he did not acknowledge that for ten months previously,
continual conferences had taken place, and that he, Bernadotte, had
rejected every arrangement that was proposed. England, as soon as
she learned the defection of Bernadotte, hastened to acknowledge the
treaty between Sweden and Russia, by a convention which will prove
to posterity, that though Napoleon might have fallen by the effect of
his own faults, yet treason and perfidy hurled him into the abyss, on
the brink of which he was now standing.

Whilst the reactionary movement was going on in the north,
Spain was once more the theatre of our victories. The taking of
Valencia by Marshal Snchet was one of our glorious achievements.
General Ventura-Caro, the brother ofRomana, commanded the tones
in the garrison. They consisted of eighteen thousand men, nine
hundred officers, twenty generals, and four hundred pieces of artillery,
together with immense magazines. Valencia was the central depot
of all the resources of the east of Spain ; it was a brilliant conquest!
The Emperor was well aware of its importance, and by an Imperial
decree two hundred millions of francs were assigned to the army of

* The Queen of Sweden remained in Paris, ale! she undertook the task of
transmit! ing the Efperor's propositions to tliu King.

378 X.U'OLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Arragon. It was after the taking of Valencia that Suchet was creati*]
Duke d'Albufera, Bui as it' by way of counterbalance to the laurels
which Suchet was reaping in the smiling plains of Valencia, Wel-
lington was victorious in the deserts of Ciudad-Rodrigo and Almeira.
lie had now re-entered the former city. Shortly after this Badajoz
was re-taken by the English; and the battle of Tarragona gained by
Suchet, was sadly expiated by the loss we sustained at Arapiles.

At length Napoleon departed for Germany, to give the final
orders, and to assemble all the forces which were to march : he
clearly saw that this campaign must be decisive, and that nothing
could balance a reverse.* At this time Paris presented a ciuious
but melancholy spectacle. Husbands, sons, brothers, and lovers,
were departing to join the army ; while wives, mothers, sisters, and
mistresses, either remained at home to weep, or sought amusement
in Italy, Switzerland, or the various watering places of France.

Before the firing of the first cannon, the Emperor wished to make
one more endeavour to ascertain the definitive resolution of Russia.
M. de Narbonne, in spite of all his courtly experience, had not been
able to learn any thing in his mission to Wilna. Napoleon enter-
tained greater hope from an interview with the Emperor of Austria,
now his father-in-law, and above all, from an interview with M. de
Metternich. Napoleon therefore conducted Maria-Louisa to Dresden,
under the ostensible pretext of paying a visit to her father, who was
then in that city, but for the real purpose of discovering the path he
had to pursue in the labyrinth which he was about to enter. The
wished-for interview, however, served only to raise new difficulties,
and these were increased by the certainty of war between the United
States and Great Britain. General Bioomfield, whose head-quarters
were at New York, declared, on the part of the American govern-
ment, war against England. By a curious coincidence, for there
could be no previous understanding in the matter, the Emperor
declared war against Russia on the very same day (June 22d, 1812),
at his head-quarters of Wilkowsky, near Gumbinen, in eastern
Prussia.

At this period a circumstance took place in France which was but
little noticed, because all eyes were directed to the great European
Congress ; — I allude to the removal of the Spanish Royal Family to
Rome from Marseilles, where they had resided since they quitted

* The population of Europe according to Humboldt, who is the most correct
of calculators, amounted at this period to 182 millions, of which Xapoleon had
under his domination 85 millions: his control extended over 19 degrees of
latitude, and 30 of longitude.

Josephine's altered appearance. 379

Bayonne. My brother, who was then lieutenant-general of police at
Marseilles, and who had the illustrious and unfortunate prisoners in
some measure under his safeguard and responsibility, was well pleased
at their removal, for Charles IV. had suffered in health from the seden
tary life which he was forced to lead at Marseilles ; while at Rome he
might have the opportunity of renewing his active habits, and enjoy-
ing his favourite field sports. The Empress Josephine was a great
favourite of the King and Queen of Spain. 1 have heard from their
principal equerry, that she was often the tutelary genius of the unfor-
tunate Royal Family, particularly when in the Emperor'y absence
their pecuniary allowances were very tardily paid. She used to exert
her influence, and make the requisite applications to get these pay-
ments settled. I did not see the Empress Josephine till some time
after my return from Spain. When I arrived in Paris she was at
Navarre, which place she was forced to leave in the autumn in conse-
quence of the damp. The Empress had already severely suffered from
the humidity of Navarre, the disadvantages of which were only bal
anced by the beauty of the place during two months of summer ; viz.,
from the end of June to the end of August. I observed that Jose-
phine had grown very stout since the time of my departure for Spain.
This change was at once for the better and the worse. It imparted a
more youthful appearance to her face ; but her slender and elegant
figure, which had been one of her principal attractions, had entirely
disappeared. She was now decidedly embonpoint, and her figure had
assumed that matronly air which we find in the statues of Agrippina,
Cornelia, Levia, &c. Still, however, she looked uncommonly well,
and she wore a dress which became her admirably. Her exquisite
and judicious taste in these matters contributed to make her appear
young much longer than she otherwise would. The. Emperor, who
seldom made remarks on female attire, except when a court dress
happened to strike him ns having been worn too often, nevertheless
frequently admired the elegance of Josephine's costume. The best
proof that can be adduced of the admirable taste of Josephine, is the
marked absence of elegance displayed by Maria-Louisa, though both
Empresses employed the same milliners and dressmakers, and Maria>
Louisa had a large sum allotted for the expenses of her toilet.

I have hardly mentioned that Madame Mere was very reserved in
alluding to the- Empress Maria-Louisa. She observed the Bame rule
with respect to her second daughter-in-law, as she had observed
towards her first ■ that is to saw she seldom spoke of her, and was
always anxious to establish friendly feelings among her numerous eh&
dren. In her relations with the latter. Madame Mere admirably main

380 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

tained the dignity of her own position. During the first few morths.
of her marriage, the new Empress seemed to imagine that the only
individuals of the Imperial family worthy of her attention, were Na-
poleon and the Queen of Naples. Madame Mere, whose excellent
understanding pointed out to her the impropriety of creating any dis-
cord through complaints, which after all must be unavailing, deter-
mined to depend on herself alone for securing the respect of her
young daughter-in-law. One day Maria-Louisa went to visit Napo-
leon's mother.

" Madame," said she, " I have come to dine with you. — But I do
not come as the Empress — 1 wdsh merely to pay a friendly visit to
you." Madame, drawing Maria-Louisa towards her and kissing her
forehead, replied, " I shall treat you with no ceremony. I shall receive
you as my daughter, and the Emperor's wife shall share the dinner of
the Emperor's mother." The Empress Josephine was less attentive
than Maria-Louisa to Madame Mere; and in this she was ill-advised.
The Emperor did not externally show his mother much attention, but
he was always deeply offended when he heard that any one had slighted
her.

I departed for Aix in Savoy on the 15th June, 1812, accompanied
by my friend Madame Lallemand, my brother-in-law, and my eldest
son, — the latter was then three years of age. Aix was that year ex
ceedingly crowded with company, and it was difficult to obtain houses.
1 was fortunate enough to find a very good house in the principal
square. The Queen of Spain resided opposite to me, and was not so
well accommodated. There were present Queens of almost every
description. The Princess of Sweden was expecting to be Queen ;
the Queen of Spain was exercising the right and title of Queen ; Jose-
phine had been a reigning Empress, while Talma was king of the theatres.

The Queen had but a very limited suite; she seemed anxious to
avoid the least appearance of eclat. The Empress Josephine, too, had
but few attendants. I forget who were the persons who accompanied
her; but I think Madame d'Audenarde was one of them. Madame
Mere had brought only one lady of honour with her ; this was Ma-
dame de Fontanges. I offered to resume my attendance upon
Madame, though, in consequence of my ill health, my services had
been dispensed with ; but Madame would not hear of this.

Talma was among the visitors to Aix this year. He had gone
thither by order of his medical attendants to drink the waters and
recover his health ; but he seemed likely to grow worse instead of
better; he was condemned every evening by the Princess Pauline tc
read scenes from Moliere, to divert the Princess and her company

MADAME BECAMIEE AT LYON-*. 381

Talma at first could not venture to refuse a request made by the Em-
peror's sister. It was certainly very amusing to hear him imitate a
female voice and repeat, almost as well as Mademoiselle Mars :
" Excusez-moi, monsieur, je ii'etends pus grecP Then he would assume
a gruff tone of voice and growl like the Avare. This was all very
well for a little time, when Talma himself, tired of playing the Em-
peror, the Prince, and the Grand-Turk, seemed to be amused at taking
anew line of characters; but he soon grew weary of it. "This will
kill me," said he to me one day. " I cannot hold out much longer ;
she will compel me to leave Aix, which I am sorry for, because I like
the place ; but I cannot endure the fatigue of those rehearsals every
evening, for the Princess is learning the part of Agnes in the Ernie dcs
Femmes, and that of Angelique in Les Femmes savantes."

The Empress Josephine arrived at Aix before I left, and I had the
honour to dine with her. At that time there was a conspiracy formed
to oblige her to quit France. An endeavour was made to induce me.
to join this conspiracy ; but I would not listen to any suggestion of the
kind, but quitted Aix on the 28th September to return to France.
There, symptoms of disquietude had begun to pervade the public
mind. Intelligence of brilliant successes was transmitted from Russia,
but the tenor of the private letters was of a very different nature.
At this disastrous period women were not exempt from the horrors
of persecution. Madame Recamier had been exiled for having paid a
visit to Madame de Stael at Coppet. The cause of her exile was too
honourable for a woman like Madame Recamier, no less celebrated
for the goodness of her heart than for her ravishing beauty, to endea-
vour to shrink at the consequences of her devoted friendship. She
repaired to Coppet, notwithstanding the warnings given her by Junot
and many other friends. She had scarcely reached her destination
when she received notice that the gates of Paris were closed against
her. On the departure of Madame de Stael, Madame Recamier left
Switzerland and proceeded to Lyons, for the sake of being a little
nearer Pari-;. Her companion in misfortune was another lady who
had excited 1 1 1 < * Emperor's displeasure, but who was the less entitled
to sympathy, because her object was merely to gain popularity. This
was Madame de Chevreuse. In her case her mother-in-law was the
true heroine; the conduct of the Duchess cf L ynes was admirable
in every point of view.

As soon as I arrived at Lyons 1 proceeded to the I [otel de l'Europe,
for I was aware that Madame Recamier lodged then;. I was desirous
of being as much with her as possible during my Btay at Lyons; and
indeed, my journey thither had beet undertaken chiefly for the pur

382 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

pose of seeing her. I cannot describe the painful nature of my feel
•n entering a vast chamber, parted into two divisions by a screen.
This was the only apartment occupied by Madame Recamier ! She
whom I had seen in her magnificent hotel in the Rue du Mont-Blanc,
Surrounded by all the luxuries that wealth could procure, was now
residing in an apartment at an inn, but still as beautiful, as cheerful,
and as graceful as ever. She employed herself in acts of benevolence,
and received the visits of a few faithful friends, who occasionally left
Paris to spend some weeks with her. Among these friends were M.
Adrien de Montmorency, the present Duke de Laval, Matthieu de
Montmorency, Benjamin Constant, M. de Catelan, and a host of
others.

When I entered, Madame Recamier was sitting at her embroidery
frame. " Are you not dull ?" said I, as I looked round her solitary
abode. " Dull ?" replied she, in her soft tone of voice. " I do not
know why I should be so. I have various occupations to engage me ;
but sometimes, indeed, my unfortunate fate presents itself to my
mind. Then I feel myself solitary and I weep ; for I will not boast
of a stoicism I do not possess. I could not be happy away from
France !" All this she said with so natural an air, and looked so
lovely, that I could not help turning to Madame Alexander Doumerc,
to ascertain what impression it had made on her. The looks we ex-
changed were expressive of profound admiration at the sight of adver-
sity supported with so much courage.

Madame Recamier had in the apartment a piano-forte, drawing
materials, work-frames, books, etc. These alternately occupied her
time ; but could not entirely exclude melancholy recollections. Ma-
dame Doumerc ran her fingers over the keys of the piano-forte, and
produced those sweet tones which she so well knew how to draw from
the instrument. " Ah !" exclaimed Madame Recamier ; " revive
some of the recollections I share in common with you both ! sing me
a song ; but let it be French, not Italian !" Madame Doumerc re-
quested me to accompany her in one of Boieldieu's romances, the
words of which were written by M. de Longchamp, when he was
banished to America by the Directory. They are expressive of the
deepest melancholy, and I could perceive they drew tears from the
eyes of the fair exile.

I parted from Madame Recamier with regret. I wished to have
Stayed longer with her, but I could not. I was anxious to return to
Paris to see my children again. My two daughters I had placed at
:he Abbaye aux Bois before I left Paris, as I could not safely leave
:nem at my hotel in the care of their English governess, who was toe

MRS. SPEXCER SMITII. 383

young for such a charge. I found my family all well. I wrote to
Junot to inform him of this; for he loved his children as tenderly as
I did.

CHAPTER XLI.

NapjUon's despotism — Mrs. Spencer Smith — History of her arrest at Venice
by order of Napoleon, and of her romantic escape with the Marquis de
Salvo.

In the year 1806 it was difficult to find over the whole continent of
Europe, a single corner which afforded shelter against the despotism
of the Emperor, when it was his pleasure to exercise it. Italy was
in his power, Germany almost subjugated, and even as far as the
ste])pes of Russia, there was no place which could be said to secure a
refuge for the proscribed. French domination extended even to the
lion of Saint Mark. The "Code Napoleon" punished the gondolier
of the Brenta, and prohibited him from singing his barcaroles.
Amongst the numerous foreigners then residing at Venice, was the
Marquis de Salvo, a Sicilian nobleman, about twenty years of age,
who had quitted Sicily and Naples, and was travelling in Italy. The
Marquis was even at this early period of his life distinguished for his
talents and knowledge of the world, and he was most cordially re-
ceived by all the foreigners of rank then in Italy. Of this number
was the Countess Attems, the daughter of Baron Herbert, Internuncio
from Austria to Constantinople, whose house was the resort of the
best company in Venice. A younger sister of the Countess had
arrived a short time previously from Germany, for the purpose of
recovering her health. This lady was Mrs. Spencer Smith, whose
husband was the ambassador from England to Stuttgard. Mrs.
Smith seldom quitted her apartment, but those who knew her de-
clared that she was distinguished for grace, and beauty, that her
mental attainments were of a very superior kind, that she stoke
seven languages with perfect purity, was an excellent musician, and
was familiar with the literature of every language she spoke. All
that the Maiquis de Salvo heard respecting this young lady rendered
him extremely desirous to become acquainted with her. On the;
occasion of the performance of a new piece at the theatre. Mrs.
Spencer Smith accompanied her sister to her box, when the Marquis,
apprised by the Countess of her intention to lie present, was gratified
by the introduction he so anxiously sought.

381 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Shortly after the Marquis de Salvo's introduction to Mrs. Smith
General Lauriston, one of Napoleon's aides-de-camp, arrived in Venice
to exercise the functions of governor. M. de la Garde then rilled the
post of director-general of the police. One evening the Marquis de
Salvo went to pay a visit to the Countess Attems, — he found her
drawing-room deserted. Astonished at this solitude, he inquired th6
cause of it, and was informed that M. de la Garde had that evening
sent an invitation to Mrs. Spencer Smith, requesting her to call on
him next morning at his office. The effect of this invitation, which
Mrs. Smith in her frankness had thoughtlessly made known, was a
signal for every one to desert her, as a person whose society it was
almost dangerous to frequent, since she had drawn upon her the
attention of the director-general of the police of Venice. The Mar-
quis, indignant at this desertion of Mrs. Smith, generously offered to
escort her to the office of M. de la Garde. The director-general of
the police received her with every mark of respect, and took pains to
dispel the alarm she appeared to be in, assuring her that the suspi-
cions which attached to her name in Paris, evidently originated in
some mistake: probably from the circumstance of her sister receiving
so much company. He concluded by suggesting the propriety of her
quitting Venice, and recommended her to reside near Padua, where
her sister could easily visit her. Mrs. Smith readily promised to
take his advice. Her satisfaction at this dreaded interview termina
ting so calmly, was, however, soon disturbed.

On the following evening, the house of the Countess was abruptly
entered by some gendarmes with a brigadier at their head, who
unceremoniously ordered Mrs. Smith to confine herself to her own
room, where they should guard her as a prisoner. M. de la Garde
informed the Marquis de Salvo, who waited upon him without delay,
to ascertain the cause of this unexpected harsh measure, that shortly
after his interview with Mrs. Spencer Smith on the preceding day, he
had received fresh instructions from the cabinet of the Emperor him-
self. These orders required him to remove the lady from Venice,
and to conduct her with an escort of gensdarmes to Milan. There
she was to be interrogated by the Viceroy and afterwards conveyed
to France — probably for the purpose of being imprisoned in the
citadel of Valenciennes. " The name of Smith," added he, " is probably
one cause of the severity shown to this lady, who is the sister-in-law
of Sir Sydney Smith, and the wife of Mr. Spencer Smith, the am-
bassador from England to Stuttgard. Recollect the affair of Drake,
and you will then have a key to circumstances which appear
mysterious."

THE MARQUIS DE SALTO AND MRS. SMITH. 385

The Marquis de Salvo, shocked at the contemplation of the rudo
trials that this charming woman was threatened with, resolved at all
hazards to secure her escape. He found it no easy matter to obtain
Mrs. Smith's sanction to his project, the generous devotion of which
she fully appreciated. She wrote a letter intreating him to abandon
his intention, reminding him of the hopelessness of the attempt and
of the inevitable ruin to himself, and characterised the plan as the
offspring of the ardent and impassioned imagination of a man of
twenty, whose services never could be repaid by her gratitude.

The doubt thus slightly glanced at of the purity of his intentions,
was emphatically disavowed by the Marquis. He referred to her
relationship to Sir Sydney Smith, at that time engaged in protecting
his own Sovereign, as a sufficient cause for his risking any danger in
her behalf. He should by this service be showing his gratitude to
England, the country which had done so much for his unfortunate
master. With respect to his own personal sentiments, he assured
her that he regarded her with no other affection than that of a brother.
He pledged his sacred word of honour, that as soon as she should be
in safety and restored to her family, he would leave her without ask-
ing to remain another hour near her. The Marquis was the more
confirmed in his determination to secure Mrs. Smith's escape, since
he well knew that she must otherwise be imprisoned in the citadel of
Valenciennes. The Emperor's displeasure had been excited against
her in consequence of Drake's affair. Her husband had, happily tor
him, reached England : but Napoleon had received intelligence,
either true or false, which represented that his wife was on the Conti-
nent, as the agent of her husband. Her extraordinary talents, and
the number of languages which she spoke with facility, added to her
beauty — which was in itself a powerful fascinator — all tended to con-
firm the Emperor's suspicions, and prompted him to adopt measures
so extremely severe towards a female. The Marquis de Salvo rea-
sonably feared that the lady's captivity would he rendered most
rigorous, and these apprehensions having been confirmed by some-
tiling which lie heard prior to leaving Venice, he renewed most
emphatically to the Counl and Countess Attends the solemn assurance
that he would save their sister. The Countess overruled her sister's
scruples, and tlif Nfarquis at length received permission to make
arrangements for the execution of his project. Be possessed great
courage and coolness. Our of his first Bteps was to secure the safety
of the two sou^ of Mrs. Smith, one of whom was seven and (lie other
five years of age, and who mighl have been retained as hostages aflei
the escape of their mother. It Has then aboul the 15th 'if April
64

386 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

That season of the year is most delightful in Venice, and Mrs. Spencer
Smith's children were frequently to be rowed in u gondola. One day
the Marquis accompanied them to Fusina. Having reached that
plaee, he said to their tutor, "Here are one hundred louis, take a
post-chaise, get into it with your two pupils, and proceed as speedily
as possible to the Countess of Strassoldo's at Gratz in Styria ; remain
there until Mrs. Smith shall again join her children. Depart without
delay." The tutor, an honest German who was devoted to his
patrons, obeyed the Marquis and fulfilled his commission.

On his return to Venice, the Marquis advised Mrs. Smith to write
to the principal authorities, stating that she did not consider it safe to
undertake so long a journey with no companion but her female ser-
vant, and requesting permission for a friend of her family to accom-
pany her — that friend being the Marquis de Salvo. In answer to
Mrs. Smith's letter, General Lauriston replied, " That he was most
happy to find his instructions did not oppose his ready acquiescence
in her demands." The Marquis de Salvo accordingly renewed per
mission to accompany Mrs. Smith. On the 25th of April, 1806,
Mrs. Spencer Smith quitted Venice for Milan, escorted by four gen-
darmes, and a brigadier named Amedee. This latter rode in the
carriage of the prisoner, together with the Marquis, and Louisa, the
waiting woman. General Lauriston and the director-general of the
police, in consideration of Mrs. Smith's state of health, had authorised
the gendarmes to stop in the fortified towns, when the prisoner
should request them to do so, and even to halt for several days if
required.

It was at Verona that the Marquis counted on carrying into effect
his plan of escape. There was in that city a friend of his childhood
whom he loved as a brother, and upon whom he believed he could
implicitly rely. This friend was Count Grimani. The Marquis had
directed the Countess in English, to say that she was fatigued and
required rest. On alighting from the carriage, the Marquis de Salvo
hastened to the hotel of Count Grimani. It was closed ! He learned
from the porter at the gate that the Count was in the country, more
than three leagues distant. He immediately wrote a letter to the
Count Grimani, in w-hich he said, "An affair, in which my life and my
honour are engaged, compels me to appeal to your friendship. I
have need of your assistance ; but it is necessary to keep this a pro-
found secret; and since you are not in Verona, it is also requisite
that our interview should not be known. Come here to-night. At
one o'clock, you will find me in the Arena." The Marquis repaired
at the hour fixed by him to the place of rendezvous, ard found, to his

mrs. smith's escape. 387

dismay, that his friend was not there. After waiting some hours
during a stormy night, he returned home in despair. In passing the
post-house, he stopped to inquire for his postillion, who he found had
arrived. He had brought the answer of Count Grimani. who had
discovered by the incoherent style of the Marquis1 letter that the
affair in which he requested hi* assistance might possibly compromise
him. He did not deem it prudent to serve his friend at the risk of
his own safety. The Marquis de Salvo angrily tore in pieces the
letter of Grimani. " And this is what is called a friend !" cried he,
bursting with indignation.

Next morning, at breakfast, the Marquis had to inform Mrs.
Smith that the hopes of that night had been thwarted. She endeav-
oured to calm him, as he was much irritated at the conduct of his
friend. They stayed at Verona till the following morning. Then
the little caravan took the road to Brescia, where it arrived on the
1st of May, 1806. The refusal of Count Grimani was the more
vexatious, as there remained for the fugitives no asylum to elude
pursuit, allowing that they could steal away from the gendarmes.
This circumstance above all others increased the difficulties; for it
was in the chateau of Count Grimani that the Marquis reckoned upon
concealing Mrs. Smith. Suddenly, however, a thought crossed his
mind. The Lake of Guarda occurred to him, with its shady banks,
and above all, its boats — those boats which had so often, during the
preceding year, conveyed him to parties of pleasure at Riva. A few
moments sufficed for him to arrange every thing in his mind, and he
communicated his plan to Mrs. Smith in English. On arriving at
Brescia, he endeavoured to obtain lodgings which might be favourable
to the execution of his project. He wished to obtain apartments on
a ground floor; but in this he did not succeed, and he was obliged to
content himself with a very inferior lodging at the Due Torre inn.
it was on the first floor.

The next step was to put the brigadier of the gendarmes off his
guard. Luckily Amedee was of a gay, easy temper, and the Mar-
quis soon succeeded in cajoling him. lie pretended that he was

apprehensive of being observed by Prince Eugene, to whom lie was
under obligations, in the act of escorting a state-prisoner. That lie

was anxious on this account to separate from Mrs. Smith at this
point, and to rejoin her after she had passed thr< ugh Milan. Amedee,
Battered by the confidence thus shown him. readily promised to break

the matter tO the lady, and to allow the Marquis to hid her farewell
afterwards without the presence of a witness.

The Marquis immediately procured a horse, rode to Salons, and

588 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AXD FAMILY.

hired two boats. One of these boats was for himself and Mrs
Smith; the other was to convey the post-chaise, which was also
ordered with the horses. These arrangements occupied nearly three
hours. On the other bank of the lake were the passages of the
Tyrol, Saltzbourg, and the frontier of Styria. The Marquis returned
to Brescia, made several purchases, wrote a long letter explaining all
u< Mrs. Smith, and then went to her. Amedee kept his word; she
was alt me, though still guarded. The Marquis then gave his instruc-
tions, the most important of which was, that Mrs. Smith should
fasten a cord to her window at nine o'clock that night, for the purpose
of drawing up a packet and a rope-ladder. The Marquis, after leav-
ing the lady, employed the rest of the day in preparing this ladder.
Before evening he had completed one of ten or twelve feet long, and
sufficiently strong to bear the fugitive. At nine at night he repaired
to a little narrow obscure passage, opposite to the inn of the Due
Torre. From thence he saw a light in Mrs. Smith's apartments.
The window on the left belonged to the chamber adjoining her room,
and which the gendarmes never quitted. Her own window was
softly opened when the nearest clock struck nine, and the Marquis
saw the cord descend. He approached wdth caution, but it was
scarcely necessary, the street being deserted at that hour, and the
weather being bad. The Marquis tied a packet to the cord, and it
was quickly drawn up again. He then returned to his hiding place.
This was a barn, in which was the cabriolet and the horse, which he
had hired for forty-eight hours. The barn was close to the gate
through which they must pass to go to Salons. The Marquis threw
himself upon the straw to endeavour to sleep, for he foresaw that if
he was not shot the following morning he must remain many days
without rest. The packet which he had carried to Mrs. Smith con-
tained a suit of boy's clothes, the rope-ladder, the letter explaining
every thing she would have to do, and a phial, in which were five-
and-twenty drops of laudanum. The laudanum was intended as a
narcotic potion for the waiting-woman, if she should decline to aid the
flight of her mistress. The hour appointed for Mrs. Smith's escape
was eleven. At length the clock struck half-past ten, and the Mar-
quis ventured from his retreat. He had on a large military cloak
and hat ; he walked with the greatest confidence, in order to avoid
suspicion.

On reaching the narrow lane opposite the inn of the Due Torre,
which had already served to conceal him, he trembled, and fancied
for a moment that all was discovered. The window next to that of
Mrs. Smith, which belonged to the room occupied b^ the gendarme^

ESCAPE OF MRS. SMITH. 389

vvras open, and no . ight appeared. Was this done the better to sur-
prise them ? At this instant eleven o'clock struck from all the
churches of Brescia. The Marquis then saw a light glimmer through
the white curtains of Mrs. Smith's window. The sash was raised,
and the lady appeared in the balcony dressed in male attire. Louise
threw a packet to the Marquis, and then lowered a casket which con-
tained Mrs. Smith's jewels. All this was done in profound silence.
At length came the moment which the Marquis dreaded. Mrs.
Smith, after a short prayer, got over the balcony, and, placing her
feet on the ladder, began to descend ; but the unsteadiness of the
ladder, the height of the window, the danger to which she was ex-
posed, all made such an impression upon her, that she felt her senses
failing. Agitated by the dread of falling, ar.d the fear of being dis-
covered, Mrs. Smith let go her hold of the ladder, and dropped into
the arms of the Marquis, who fell to the ground with her, but without
sustaining any hurt. Whilst they were both recovering themselves,
two men passed singing on the other side of the street, without even
noticing them. In a few moments the fugitives reached the barn in
safety. Mrs. Smith wept. " Oh, poor Louise ! if you knew how
nobly she has acted. She at first wished to follow me, but after-
wards, when she saw that was impossible, she told me that lest she
should make any answers which might lead to a discovery of my
track, she had drank the laudanum. " This," said she, " will make
me sleep, and will prevent my saying a single word which may en-
danger you. And before I could prevent her," continued Mrs.
Smith, " she had swallowed the whole contents of the little phial. I
am alarmed for the consequences."

After they reached the barn, the Marquis recollected that he had
left the rope-ladder at the window of the inn. lie hoped that Louise
had removed it before break of day ; but after what he had just,
beard, he thought it was not likely she could have done so, and the
first person passing by might give the alarm, lie ran to the inn of
(he Due Torre; bul the ladder was gone from the window. After
looking alx.iit he found that it had been cut. and was lying on the
ground below the window. Louise had returned to the balcony to
see if her mistress \\as out of danger, and perceiving the ladder, -he
immediately understood all that was to be done. On his return IVfrs,
Smith remarked that it, was nearly three o'clock, and proposed to
depart immediately. '■ How can we .' said the Marquis; " Brescia
i-, a closed town. We cannot gel out before the opening of the gates
Hut, stay ! a thought strikes me '."

He took from the cabriolet a blue cloth cap with a L'old band and

390 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

tassel, and having put it on his head, he handed the lady into the
cabriolet. Mrs. Smith, it will be recollected, was in male attire.
He seated himself by her side, wrapped up in his cloak, and the cab-
riolet was in a few moments at the gate of the city. " Hollo ! how
is this?" exclaimed the Marquis, with an oath. "What! the guard
of the gates not at his post ! I will cashier him !" The man ap-
peared, half undressed, with the key in his hands. " Who is there .'"'
cried he, in an affrighted tone. — " The colonel of the third regiment,"
answered the Marquis, assuming a gruff tone of voice. " You re-
ceived notice last evening that I was going into the country to-day.
I will punish you." — "Colonel, I assure you that I knew nothing of
the matter." — " Go and open the gates, and do not stand babbling
there." The guard opened the gates, holding his cap in his hand, and
having again closed them he returned to bed, whilst the fugitives
drove rapidly to Salons. On arriving there they entered their boat,
and took the direction of Riva. They now breathed again, and were
able to render thanks to Heaven.

But new disasters awaited the fugitives. In order to obtain fresh
horses at Trent, it was necessary that Mrs. Smith's passport should
be shown. That of the Marquis bore his real description, but it con-
tained the word cameriere, which he had altered to cameriera. Mrs.
Smith having resumed her female attire, the officer would probably
have let them pass, but it happened to be the commissary of police
who examined the passport. Probably out of humour at being
roused from his bed, he examined the passport very minutely, and
discovered that it was a false one. However, as he must have a
more careful examination of the parties, and as by not giving the
order for the horses which were required, he was very certain to find
them again on the following morning, he postponed until eight o'clock
the further examination of the passport, and returned to bed. "There
is no time for hesitation," said the Marquis, " we must proceed on
foot, otherwise we are lost." Mrs. Smith was overcome with fatigue ;
but on seeing the imminent danger in which she stood, she determined
to follow the advice of the Marquis. He had observed the counte-
nance of the master of the inn ; he appeared to be a kind-hearted
man. He went to him and made some other inquiries about the
road they were to take. The worthy man observed, " It is impossi
ble that the young lady can undertake the journey on foot in the
middle of the night. You are not here under any surveillance"
added he ; " if you will give me your word of honour that you have
committed no offence against the government of my country, I will
furnish you with a cabriolet. I can also spare you a horse, which

ESCAPE OF MRS. SMITH. 391

will very well bear a long journey. Depart, then, and may Heaver
protect you !"

He himself put the horse to the vehicle, and having assisted the
lady and the Marquis into the carriage, mounted it himself in order
to answer with his name to the guard at the gates. In this manner
they passed without difficulty. It was two o'clock in the morning
when they left Trent. The good landlord of the inn left them at a
distance of one league from the city. Mrs. Smith was greatly in-
commoded by the jolting of the vehicle. At intervals they heard at
a distance an indistinct sound like the rolling of a carriage, and the
smacking of a whip. This sound proceeded from the direction of
Trent. At length it came so near upon them that Mrs. Smith be-
came greatly terrified. They were then on a summit above a very
deep valley, in which flowed a little river, or rather a torrent. On
the other side was a steep and well wooded mountain. The Marquis
did not hesitate ; he saw at some distance behind him a caleehe full
of men in uniform. Were they then pursued 1 This was probable,
if not certain. From the position of the two carriages, the Marquis
could clearly distinguish every thing, whilst the sun shone in the
eyes of those that approached, so that they could not perceive him.
" Do not be alarmed," said he to Mrs. Smith, and, taking the horse
by the bridle, he led him down rapidly to the bottom of the valley,
and having urged the animal across the little torrent, he entered a
thicket formed by the young trees which grew at the foot of the
mountain. The rolling of the carriages was soon heard on the
heights. The noise was at first loud, then it became more distant,
and at last it ceased all together. The Marquis sallied forth to re-
connoitre. On his return, he said, " I have found a footpath, it may
almost be called a road. The carriage can pass through it ; we must
take this way, for it is advisable we should avoid the towns and high
roads." He then explained to Mrs. Smith that his object was to
gain the frontier of Styria, by passing along the border of the terri-
tory of Saltzbourg. The trial which they had made of their passport
at Trent, was not calculated to give them confidence on passing
through the cities. It was necessary then to proceed by by-roads,
ami above all things to guard against being met and recognized.
The escape had been known for three days past. A description hod

been circulated of their person-, ami the situation of the fugitives
was in every respect more perilous than it had been before their
flight from Brescia. Mrs. Smith was aware of this, and she gave
renewed proofs of that fortitude of mind which she had evinced
throimhout her misfortunes. She ascended the mountain on foot

392 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

When they had reached the summit, they perceived with delight a
solitary house which appeared to be a farm. The heat was excessive,
and the unfortunate lady had nothing to quench her thirst but a little
water, so heated by the sun, that it was scarcely drinkable. They
arrived at length before the door of the house. It was closed, and
the barking of two or three dogs was at first the only answer they
could obtain. At length, a window above the door was opened, and
a young woman asked them in no very gentle tone what they
wanted.

She was. after a short parley, induced to let them in, and placed
before the exhausted travellers some refreshment. They had scarcely
finished their repast, when a man of repulsive manners, and armed as
is the custom on the mountains, made his appearance. This was the
master of the house. He eyed the guests with suspicion, and ques-
tioned them very closely ; presently his attention was directed to Mrs.
Smith's little casket of jewels, which he suddenly seized upon and
opened. The sight of its contents confirmed him in the idea that the
strangers were adventurers — possibly thieves, and even murderers.

This unfavourable opinion he very coarsely expressed, and poor
Mrs. Smith was overcome with terror.

" You are not common travellers," exclaimed he. " It is my duty
to arrest you, young man, and to go to the neighbouring town for as-
sistance to conduct you to the prison of Trent."

He advanced towards the Marquis, whose pistols were in the cab-
riolet, and who now trembled on thinking of the consequences which
might result from being conveyed under such suspicious circumstances
to Trent, whence he had fled on the preceding night. "Hear me,"
said he to the man, drawing him aside, " take care of what you are
doing." And with ready invention, fabricating a story, he told him
that they were emigrants, that the jewels were his wife's property, and
concluded by offering him twenty piastres to allow them to depart.
"If you would give me forty, I would not," answered the man. "It
is plain that you are eluding justice. Come, go before me," added he,
at the same time taking one of his pistols. " Obey, or I will shoot

you."

The Marquis refused to move, and the man was about to take him
by the arm to force him forward, when his wife, moved by the tears
of Mrs. Smith, interceded so urgently in their behalf, that at length
her husband's pity was moved, and he himself put the horse to, with
which they were to resume their journey. It was already late ; but
in spite of all the offers and entreaties of Mrs. Smith, he refused to
allow them to pass the night in his house. " Begone !" he said. " All

ESCAPE OF MRS. SMITH. 393

I ean do for you is to- let you depart. May heaven pardon me if you
aie guilty !"

The Marquis and Mrs. Smith resumed their journey ; it was then
quite dark. They travelled on until nearly day-light amongst the
mountains, and in the morning found themselves near a fortified firm,
of which there were many at that period in the Tyrol. At this farm
they breakfasted. They then again set out on their melancholy and
dangerous pilgrimage. They bent their course towards Berthold-
Scalden, which is a watering place. It was necessary to avoid passing
through the town. The Marquis was slightly acquainted with the sub-
urbs of Berthold-Scalden, and drove towards the lake of Zell. They
arrived at a small inn situated on the margin of the lake, where there
happened to be lying a variety of journals upon the table. Eager to
see if any description had been given of them, the Marquis seized the
first which lay before him. It happened to be a Trent paper. H«
read under the head Milan, that the police of Trent declared Mrs.
Spencer Smith and the Marquis de Salvo to be fugitives, and author-
ised any of the inhabitants of the kingdom of Italy to arrest them, if
tli' y should be discovered, and to send them under a salt' escort to
Milan, where the Marquis would be brought to trial for having favoured
the escape of a prisoner of state of the French Empire. In willing
to alarm Mrs. Smith by explaining to her the new danger thai had
arisen, he merely informed her that they must immediately depart.
At this moment the sound of military music was heard. The Mar
quis advanced to the window, and beheld in a little, meadow near the
house sev.ral squadrons of cavalry. On inquiring of the landlord
of the inn, he learned that they were troops that had been about a
week in Berthold-Scalden, and that they occasionally came to exercise
on the banks of the lake. The Marquis knew a great mans officers in
the Bavarian as well as in the French regiments. He was obliged to
renounce all idea of passing these troops ; — a fatalit) seemed to pur-
sue the unfortunate fugitives. ••What is to be done?" ejaculated Mrs.
Smith weeping. "1 will deliver myself up, and do you save yourself
into the Tyrol: a man may easily escape." The unfortunate lady
knew nothing of the Trent journal, which the Marquis had tin-own into
the lire. •• We musl cross the lake." Baid he, '-and find refuge in the
neighbouring mountains. Courage, I beg of you, and all will be well
again." Bui at that moment In- himself had not much hope.

They crossed the lake, and steered their boal toward- the hermi
tage. The Marquis's plan was to solicit an asylum of the recluse,
which he, knew he could grant without peril to himself. This was their
nnh alternative. They passed two days in the chapel, which was sft"

394 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

uated in the midst of a wood of fir trees, and but little frequented by
the inhabitants of Berthold-Scalden. In the evening of the second
day they heard the sound of military instruments. As soon as the
sun had gone down the Marquis crossed the lake to obtain some infor-
mation. The regiments had continued their march towards Saltzbourg,
and the fugitives could now proceed. They determined to depart im-
mediately, and, cautioned by the advice of the hermit, they avoided
Berthold-Scalden, by going round it. Next day they passed through
Rastadt, a large town, in which they stopped to dine. They were
then not more than two leagues from the frontier of Styria. " At
length we are safe!" ejaculated the Marquis.

Alas! they were now less safe than ever. After having dined they
cheerfully resumed their route, and reached without difficulty an
interior barrier which opened on the road to Styria. They confidently
presented their passport. The guard read it, then began to laugh, ran
to his desk, took out another paper, compared them together, and
again laughed very heartily. When people laugh, there is generally
nothing alarming ; nevertheless the fugitives inquired the reason of
this hilarity, and the man, still laughing, presented to them the paper
which he had compared with the passport, and on reading it they
commenced laughing as heartily as he did. The Marquis thought they
were mystifying him. At length he learned the truth, which was suffi-
ciently amusing. The young Princess de F . . . . g had fallen in love
with a bookseller's clerk at Vienna. This feeling of tenderness was
mutual, and the two lovers had fled in order to escape from the power
of the lady's family, and from the Imperial authority, which is always
exercised to punish unequal matches of this kind. The Austrain
government had sent a description of the two fugitives to all the large
cities of Germany, France, and Italy, accompanied by an order to the
chief authorities to transmit the description of the two individuals to
all the places through which they were likely to pass. The guard of
the barrier of Styria had received this description in common with
others. It represented the young lady to be fair, and the young man
dark. This circumstance had excited his risibility ; for he thought it
droll that they should have come so unsuspectingly to deliver them
selves up ; especially the young man, who had reason to apprehend
severe chastisement. Mrs. Smith, showing to the guard the two des-
criptions, explained to him that the fair and the dark complexions were
the only points of resemblance between the fugitives and themselves,
who were inoffensive travellers. The man was convinced of the truth
of what she said, but nevertheless would not take upon himself the
responsibility of letting them go. He proposed their going to Saltz

ESCAPE OF MRS. SMITH. 395

bourg, where their passport could be examined. In this dilemma no
other resource seemed to offer itself to the Marquis than thai of dis-
guising themselves as shepherds. At that season of the year the
sheep were moving in large flocks to their summer pastures, and the
Marquis thought they might easily pass as belonging to some party
of shepherds. Mrs. Smith submitted, though with some reluctance,
and the Marquis returned to Rastadt to purchase their disguises. As
ill luck would have it the man of whom the dresses were purchased
was attached to the police. He questioned the messenger employed
by the Marquis, and elicited the truth. He said nothing, but sold the
two dresses. However, when the fugitives were about to set out, in
gay spirits at the apparent success of their manoeuvre, they were
rudely seized and taken back to the inn they had just quitted, where
they found a commissary of police. He eyed the lady for a long
time with an air of insolence. " What is your name?" he at length
inquired. — " Mrs. Spencer Smith, the daughter of Baron Herbert, the
Internuncio from Austria to Constantinople, and the wife of the am-
bassador from England to Stuttgard." Mrs. Smith immediately per-
ceived that she could only serve herself and her companion by avow-
ing the truth. She was now upon the Austrian territory. The gov-
ernment might not be sufficiently strong to save her; but the subal
terns might be overawed by her tone of authority, and let her go. In
fact, the commissary seemed for a moment overwhelmed by this litany
of great names, though he looked as if he did not believe she was
telling truth. — " And why this costume ]" — " Because I choose to wear
it. That is a matter which docs not concern you !" — "Humph ! and
where are you going ?" — " To the resilience of my sister, the Countess
Strassoldo, at Gratz, in Styria." — "Who is this man who accompanies
you?" — " My valet-dje-chambre." — "I cannot come to any decision in
your case," said the commissary. " You must accompany me to St.
Maria." All this time the Marquis was under guard in an adjoining
chamber. But he had heard the i|iiesti<nis and answers, and that was
sufficient for his guidance in his examination. Next morning they all
departed for St. Maria ; Mrs. Smith in a carriage, and the Marquia
on foot between two soldiers. St. Maria is a very small garrison
town of the. Tyrol. On arriving there the commissary related the
affair to a superior officer, who was commandant of the town, whose
'ir-t impression was that, this female was an adventurer; he went to
Mrs. Smith, and interrogated her himself with that politeness which
a man naturally shows to a pretty and engaging woman, bul he Beemed
to change his tone, when she described herself to he Mrs. Spencer
Smith. "You assume a respectable name. Madam." said he, "and

396 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILF.

this imposture may bring you into trouble. You arc not Mrs. Spen-
jer Smith. Tell me the truth, and perhaps I may serve you." — "And
am I not Mrs. Spencer Smith, sir]" said she, with a smile. " Have
you then so treacherous a memory? Can you have forgotten, sir, that
when Mr. Spencer Smith, the English ambassador at Stuttgard, came
la-t year to Iuspruck, his wife who was with him gave a ball, to which
i.ian;- officers were invited? Several of them could not get admit-
tance in consequence of the smallness of the apartments; and that
one of these gentlemen, Baron de . . . . , yourself, sir, came recom-
mended by a lady of Iuspruck. Through that recommendation you
obtained a perference over many of your friends." The Baron now
recognised the graceful form of the lady to whose hospitality he had
been so much indebted, and eagerly endeavoured to make amends for
his recent ungallant treatment of her by offering her his utmost aid.
He went to the commissary of police, to whom he certified, upon his
word of honour, tliat this lady was Mrs. Spencer Smith. — " Indeed!"
said the commissary, " so much the worse for her ; I have just been
reading the Trent Gazette, which my secretary has handed to me.
Read this paragraph." The Baron here read the paragraph which the
Marquis had seen at the inn on the lake of Zell. He knew not what
to do. France could reach her victims wheresoever they might fly.
4; We must not compromise ourselves in this affair," said the commis-
sary of police ; " I must send the lady and her valet-de-chambre to
Saltzbonrg. But it is needless to make enemies any where ; therefore
you had better conduct her thither as a mark of respect." — " Not I,"
said the Baron. " I will not play the part of a gendarme to so lovely
and amiable a woman." — " Would you wish her to have four soldiers
and a corporal for her escort ?" — " Certainly not." — " It must be you
or they, there is no choice. I will inform her that we cannot take
upon ourselves the responsibility of allowing her to proceed."

They departed for Saltzbourg, which, by the recent treaty of
Presbourg, belonged to Austria. The Marquis mounted the box
along with the coachman, and during the journey, which lasted a day
and a half, he waited at table as expertly as if he had been accus-
tomed to the duties of a valet. On arriving at Saltzbourg, thj
prisoner, for such she still was, was conducted to the principal inn in
the town, and the baron went to apprise the authorities of Mrs.
Smith's arrival, having first placed two sentinels at her door. The
director-general of the police at Saltzbourg was a shrewd, clever
man. He probably thought it ridiculous that a woman should be
charged with political offences, and, though very polite, he threw
a little sarcasm into his interrogatorv. " Who is the man who accom

ESCAPE OF MRS. SMITH. 397

panies you, madam?*' — "My valet-de-chambre." — "His name?"—
"Francesco Raimondo." — How long has he been with you?" — "Three
months." The director-general left the apartment, making a very
low bow.

The Marquis was guarded in one of the chambers of the house.
He was conducted to the hotel of the police, where an interrogatory
was commenced which threatened to prove dangerous to him. At
the termination of which a tall thin old man entered, Avho by his
bunch of keys might be recognised as a jailer. The Marquis was
consigned to his safeguard, and in a few moments he found himself in
a chamber ten feet long by seven wide, under the castle, at two hun-
dred feet below the ground. They brought him some soup, bread,
and water, and then left him to enjoy himself at his ease. Towards
evening a man entered into his prison, and said to him in Latin,
" Yotii mistress is saved, my friend ; she has departed for Lintz." —
" Is it true ?" exclaimed the Marquis. " Heaven be praised !" — ■
"Truly," said the man, smiling at the facility with which the prisoner
understood his Latin, "you are a very attached, very devoted ser-
vant; but for yourself, who will save you, my friend?" — "God,"
answered the Marquis, making an allusion to the motto of his house.*
Some moments after, he was ordered to attend the cabinet of the
director. "Do you know the Marquis de Salvo?" he inquired
abruptly. "Certainly. I know him well. He is my master," said
the Marquis, without appearing disconcerted. " Why did you leave
him?" — "By his order, to follow Mrs. Smith, and to endeavour to
save her; and my only regret is that I have not entirely succeeded."
— • At what town did you leave your master?" — "At Venice." They
remained in silence for some time; the director of the police then
rang a bell in a peculiar way, as he had done on the first occasion,
and immediately a man came in whose looks were not more propi-
tious than those of the other jailer. lie conducted the Marquis to
another place of confinement, which was entered by a low wicket
door. The dungeon contained only two seats and a litter of straw;
it had all the a|>;>earauee of a place whence a prisoner Could hope to
be released only by death. For the first time M. de Salvo felt his
confidence begin to fail him. He Btretuh°d himself on the straw

litter, and fatigue and anxiety of mind soon threw lii iii into a pro-
found sleep. He had slept for a considerable time when the jailer
enteied, and respectfully requested him to follow him to the director

of the police. The latter, as soon as the Marquis entered his cabinet,

• In Deo Salus. The device <>f the Salv<> family, and tie- origin <>f their nam*.

398 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

flew to embrace him. "My dear Marquis," said he, "why did you

me to treat you with such severity 1 This was not fair." The
Marquis, fearing that this was a snare to entrap him, at first denied
that he was himself. But the director showed him a letter from Mrs.
Smith, who had arrived at Lintz, where she was to remain until the
receipt of Count Stadion's answer, and where the Marquis was to join
her. Nothing could have happened more luckily, for the Marquis had
well-nigh paid for all, inasmuch as the police of Loth Venice ami
Milan were in pursuit of him. A description of his person had been
posted up in all the public thoroughfares, and those who should con-
ceal him were threatened with severe punishment. He was now
liberated, and he immediately set off* for Lintz, where he joined Mrs,
Smith, and after the lapse of two or three weeks the answer arrived
from Vienna. It was arranged that Mrs. Smith should assume the
name of Midler, and embark at one of the northern ports. She
immediately left Lintz and proceeded to Gratz, wdiere she joined her
sister, the Countess Strassoldo.

It will be recollected that when at Venice Mrs. Smith rejected the
offer of the Marquis de Salvo, he assured her of his disinterestedness,
by promising that as soon as he should have restored her to her family
he would not even ask the reward of spending another hour in her
society. As soon as they arrived at Gratz, the Marquis hired a post-
chaise and went to fetch Mrs. Smith's children, who were at some
little distance from the town. Presenting the two boys to their
mother, he said, " Here are your children and your sister; you are
now safe under the roof of your family : I therefore bid you adieu. J
leave you, and I hope 1 have convinced you that a man of honour is
capable of performing a generous action without the hope of reward."

Mrs. Smith, overpowered by her feelings of gratitude, held out
her hand to him. She begged that he wrould remain in safety under
her sister's roof, and not again expose himself to the dangers which he
had incurred for her sake. He complied with her request. Shortly
afterwards they proceeded to Russia, and embarked at Riga on her
return to England. On his arrival in London the Marquis de Salvo
received the thanks of Mrs. Smith's family, and Queen Charlotte, the
consort of George III., publicly expressed her satisfaction of his conduct

THE RUSSIAN CAMPAIGN. 399

CHAPTER XLII.

Tbc Russian Campaign — Consequences of the battle of the Moskowa — Kuluzcw
— Mallet's conspiracy and execution — Napoleon imitating Harour il-Raschid
— The alabaster shop in the Passage du Panorama — The Emperor's loose
coats — Maria-Louisa's permission that he should dress as he pleased — Mile.
L. — The Medicis vases — An invitation to the Elysee Napoleon — Maria-Louisa
— Her apathy on the subject of Mallet's conspiracy — Cambaceres — His sharp
reply — The King of Rome and the Enfans Trouvcs.

I have mentioned the fatal credulity of the Duke de Vieenza relative
to the troops which the Emperor Alexander was assembling on the
Russian frontier. M. de Lauriston was, fortunately, less credulous;
but he managed to darken the inextricable labyrinth into which we
were about to enter, and augmented the confusion. Meanwhile the
Russian campaign commenced, and the misfortunes of Napoleon
obscured his glory and his happy star. In 1812 the Emperor should
have acted more prudently than when, less dazzled by fortune, he
found himself in 1806 in the presence of the Russians, who were fly-
ing from him to avoid a conflict. Then he halted, took up a formida-
ble position on the Vistula, prepared for the approaching campaign,
established intrenched camps at Thorn and Praga, as well as bridge-
heads on the Vistula, the Bug, and the Narew, and finally, the battle
of Friedland brought about the treaty of Tilsit. I am aware that, in
answer to these remarks, it may be said that in 1812 the army bad
marly reached Moscow, at a period of the year (7th September)
when the cold was not severe; but was it not natural that Moscow,
with a population of 400,000 inhabitants, would defend itself?

The victory of the Moskowa, gained by the talent and courage of
Marshal Ney, proved as disastrous in its consequences as a defeat.
What a fearful list of killed and wounded appeared after thai battle!

The Scythian Kutuzow, who had the presumption to declare thai he

had gained the victory, was rewarded by a title rarel) given iii

Russia, thai of field-marshal. Kutuzow, after all. might reasonably
be excused for saying he had conquered an enemy whose loss was so
much more disastrous than his own. The carnage of that da) was

incalculable. I have been assured that more than one hundred and
thirty thousand cannon were fired in the course of the battle. If we

100 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

were couquerors, it was only for the vain honour of remaining mas
ters of a field of battle strewed with the bodies of the dead, and
saturated with their blood : ••That night," said Junot to me, "was one
of the most horrible 1 ever passed! — We had no provisions — the
cold rain poured incessantly — we had no wood to kindle fires— -and
groans and cries of agony resounded on every side."

We entered Moscow, and in the mean time the Russian army of
Friedland landed at Riga. The army of Moldavia gained Brese on
the Bug. — This latter tbrce threatened to cut off our communications
with Warsaw. We now began to awaken from our dream of good
fortune. — That waking was terrible. In spite of the precautions
adopted for preventing the disheartening intelligence from reaching
Paris, letters were received. The unauthenticated reports which got
into circulation created more anxiety than bulletins which would have
candidly told the truth, — they were even more distressing than the
first bulletin after the retreat from Moscow! There were at that time
in Paris a number of malecontents, as there always are. The police
had kept a watchful eye upon them ; but for a time its vigilance
seemed to have abated. In truth, since the retirement of Count
Dubois, the police of Paris had been very indifferently conducted.
Of this, an event which occurred at the period here alluded to, is an
undeniable proof. In after times, it will scarcely be credited that ir
Paris a man, by his own unassisted attempt, was on the point of
overthrowing the government and establishing a new order of things,
neither wanted nor sought for; and that that man himself placed under
arrest the minister and the lieutenant of police. Yet all this really
happened on the 23d of October, 1812.*

* Of General Mallet's singular conspiracy, to which Madame Junot here
alludes, an interesting and minute account is given by the Duke of Rovigo, and
introduced in the third volume (p. 185) of the English edition of Bourrienne'a
Memoirs of Napoleon, published in 1836, to which we refer our readers. Mallet,
and his accomplices, Guidal and Lahorie, were unanimously condemned to death
after a trial which lasted three days and three nights. The prisoners were sen-
tenced to be shot; and, on the 27th of October, at three in the afternoon, were
conducted to the plain of Grenelle. Mallet walked with a firm step towards
the place where the file of soldiers was drawn up. " They are ver\T young," said
he, looking at the conscripts who were to fire at him. The prisoners were
ranged all three abreast, and the detachment fired at once. After the first dis-
charge, General Mallet still remained standing! He was wounded, but not
mortally. On the second discharge he fell, though not quite dead. It has been
alleged that the soldiers struck him with the butt-ends of their muskets to
extinguish the lingering spark of life.

NAPOLEON AS HAHOUN-AL-RaSCHID. 401

The following adventure occurred in the brilliant days of Napa
.eon's empire :

It is well known that he was fond of going about Paris early in
the morning, accompanied only by the Duke de Frioul, and was
always greatly pleased when he escaped being recognised. About
six o'clock one morning in the month of March or April, he left the
Elysee early, in company with Duroc. They bent theii course
towards the Boulevards, and on arriving there, the Emperor observed
that they had got out very early, as all the shops were yet closed.
" I must not play the Haroun-al-Raschid so early," said he ; " besides,
I believe it was always at night that he wandered forth with his faith-
ful Giaffar." When they arrived at the Passage du Panorama, some
of the shops were already opened. One of them particularly attracted
the Emperor's attention. It was the celebrated magazin of Florence

alabaster, which was kept then, as it is now, by M. L and his

sister, natives of Switzerland. There was at that moment nobody in
the shop, but a servant girl who was sweeping it, and whose move-
ments were much constrained by the fear of breaking any of the
brittle, but valuable articles around her. The Emperor was amused
at the cautious way in which she performed her task, and after he
had stood looking at her for some time, he said, '•'•Ah pa! who keeps
this shop? Is there neither master nor mistress here'?"

"Do you want to buy any thing?" said the girl, suspending her
labour. Then leaning on her broom, she rested her chin on her two
hands, and Stared the Emperor full in the face, apparently half in-
clined to laugh at his eccentric appearance. Certainly it would be
difficull to imagine a more comical figure than Napoleon presented in
his Haroun-al-Raschid costume, as he used to call it. He wore the
famous gray frock-coat;* but it was not the coat itself, it was the
make of it which rendered it so singular. The Emperor would never
allow his clothes to be in the least degree tight; and consequently
his tailors mail'' his coats as if they had measured them upon a
sentry-box. When he married Maria-Louisa, tin- King of Naples
prevailed on him to have his clothes made by his tailor. The Em-
peror wore them mosl courageously for a short, time; but he could
endure the torture no longer, and lie begged for mercy, lie sul>-
mitted the question to the decision of the Empress, who. as lom_r as
she could ride on horseback, ami take four or five meals a day, was
always good-humoured ami willing i<> agree to any thing, she there-
fore granted Napoleon full power to dress according to his own

* Latterly lie frequently wore a blue one.
SB

102 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

fimcy ; sa\ ing, that she liked the Emperor as well one ivay as another.
Perhaps she would have spoken more correctly, had she said, she dia
not like him any better one way than another.

With the loose froek-coat above described, the Emperor wore a
round hat slouched over his forehead, to prevent his being recognised.
His unfashionable appearance, joined to his abrupt and unceremonious
manner, led the servant girl to conclude, at the first glance, that he
wished only to purchase some trifle worth about ten or fifteen francs,
and that it was certainly not worth while to call her young and pretty
mistress for so paltry a customer. But the Emperor thought differ-
ently, and after looking about him for a few minutes, he asked in an
authoritative tone whether there was any one to whom he could

speak. Mademoiselle L , who had just risen, at that moment

came down stairs. On seeing her, the Emperor was struck by her
beauty and her elegant appearance; and in truth she might well
have vied with the finest woman of the imperial court. " Parbleu,
Madame," said the Emperor, touching the brim of his hat (for he
could not venture to take it off lest he should be known), " it would
appear that you are not very early folks here. A good shopkeeper
should look after her business better." — " That would be very true,

sir," replied Mademoiselle L , " if business were going on well.

But as it is, it matters very little whether we are in our shops or
not." — "Is trade then so very bad?" said Napoleon, examining
various things on the counter. " Ruined, sir, totally ruined. I know
not what will become of us." — " Indeed ! I had no idea that France
was in so pitiable a condition ! I am a foreigner. I wish to make a
few purchases, and at the same time I should like to learn from so
agreeable a person as yourself, some particulars respecting the state
of business in Paris. What sort of vases do you call these?" —

"Those are the Medicis form," replied Mademoiselle L . — "They

are very beautiful. What is the price of them1?" Mademoiselle

L opened at once her ears and her eyes. The vases were

marked at three thousand francs. She told Napoleon the price of
them ; but he merely nodded his head, and then said, " Pray what is
the reason that trade is so bad ?" — " Oh, sir, as long as that little man
our Emperor is so madly intent on war, how can we hope to enjoy
either prosperity or happiness?" As she spoke these words. Ma-
demoiselle L threw herself into a chair, and the Emperor stood

looking at her with the admiration and respectful interest which her
beauty was calculated to excite. " Is your husband with the army ?'•
inquired the Emperor. "I am not married, sir; I live here with my
orother, whom I assist in carrying on his business. We are not

NAPOLEON AND MADEMOISELLE L 403

French, we are Swiss." — " Ah ! ah !" said the Emperor ; and he
uttered these exclamations with as much indifference as if he had
been yawning. " Well, I will purchase these two Medicis vases. 1
will send for them at eleven o'clock. Take care to have them
ready."

With these words, which were delivered in a truly Imperial tone
of authority, he touched the brim of his hat, and darted out of the
shop, beckoning the Duke de Frioul to follow him. "That girl is
very interesting," said he to Duroc, as they left the Passage du
Panorama. " When she told me she was a Swiss, I fancied I beheld
before me one of the wives or sisters of the heroes of the Reutly.*
Do you think she knew me ?" — " I am confident she did not, Sire.
Her manner was too calm and too self-possessed. She had no sus-
picion in whose presence she was." The Emperor remained silent
and thoughtful for a few moments ; then, as if suddenly recovering
from his abstractedness, he looked round him with an air of calm
dignity. Duroc, who described the whole of this scene to me, said
he was certain that some unworthy thought had for a moment crossed
the Emperor's mind, but that he had immediately banished it.

At eleven o'clock, two porters, accompanied by a footman in

Imperial livery, arrived at the shop of Mademoiselle L . The

footman was the bearer of a little billet, requesting that the lady
would herself accompany the vases and receive the payment foi
them.

"And where am I to go?" said Mademoiselle L , trembling;

fur on seeing the Imperial livery she began to regret the freedom
with wrhich she had spoken to her customer in the morning. "To
the Elysee Napoleon, Mademoiselle," said the footman. The vases
were carefully packed and delivered to the porters, and Mademoiselle

L , accompanied by her brother, followed them, trembling like

an aspen-leaf; yet she was far from suspecting the whole truth. On
arriving at the Elysee Napoleon, they were immediately ushered
into the Emperor's cabinet. lie took three bills of a thousand francs

from his desk, and, presenting them to Mademoiselle I, , said

with a smile, "Another time, Mademoiselle, do not be so ready to
murmur at the stagnation of trade." Then wishing her good morning,
he retired into his interior apartment.

The brother and sister were both sensibly alive to this generosity.
Mademoiselle L used to relate the adventure with the most

•The fiel 1 in which William Tell, Walther, Pont, and Stauffacher took tlui
oath.

40-4 NAPOLEON*, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

charming simplicity and feeling. It had taught her a k.»son ; and
since that morning she readily admitted that the depression of trade
may exist without any fault being chargeable to the head of a govern-
ment. The little man, too, had grown wonderfully great in her
estimation; not because he had purchase! from her a pair of vases
worth three thousand francs, but because he had forgotten a remark
which many others in his exalted station would have regarded as an
unpardonable offence.

Mallet's conspiracy produced an agitation which was felt in the
most remote provinces of the empire. Maria- Louisa was at that
time at Saint Cloud. She showed no signs of alarm, but took her
daily rides on horseback in the surrounding woods, which, for aught
she knew, might have been the haunt of conspirators. Only General
Mallet and his two accomplices had been arrested ; and it was at
first believed that they must have confederates, who would subse-
quently be discovered. This was not courage on the part of Maria-
Louisa ; it was her natural apathy, and a disinclination to trouble
herself about a matter which probably she did not very well under-
stand. " What could they have done to mef she said, with an air
of hauteur, to the arch-ehaneellor, when he went to Saint Cloud to
acquaint her with the affair. It seemed as though she meant to say,
" I should like to know what they could have done to the daughter
of the Emperor of Austria V But the arch-chancellor was not the
man to be much overawed by great airs and high-sounding words ;
for he himself had sat in judgment on a king. And this same
Francis II. — this same Emperor of Austria — had been twice com-
pelled to fly before the arms of France. Such things help to dispel
the illusion which envelopes thrones. Death and flight are two
events which show mankind as he really is — submitting to the
common laws of fate. Cambaceres, departing a little from that cool
solemnity which seldom forsook him, replied rather sharply, " Truly,
Madame, it is fortunate that your Majesty regards these events with
so philosophic an eye. You were doubtless aware that General
Mallets intention was to throw the King of Rome upon public
charity ; that is to say, in the Enfans Trouves ; and as to your
Majesty, you were to be disposed of afterwards."*

* In the pocket of Mallet was found a plan settling what was to be done
with the members of the Imperial family. The King of Rome was to be dis-
posed of in the manner mentioned above. Maria-Louisa was never informed
what was to be her fate : it was by no means flattering to the pride of
the daughtei of the Oajsara.

BURNING OF MOSCOW. 405

CHAPTER XLII1.

Burning of Moscow — Discouragement of the French army — Tl e retreat —
Napoleon on his return to France — His narrow escape from a party of Cos-
sacks— His arrival at Warsaw — The Abbe de Pradt — Napoleon's interview
with the King of Saxony at Dresden — His arrival at the Tuileries — The Em-
peror's peculiarities of feeling — General Kutusow and General Morosow —
The European tocsin — Proclamation of the Emperor Alexander — Napoleon's
speech to the Legislative Body — Alexander as Pacificator of Europe — Sixth
coalition against France — Defection of Prussia — Marshal Soult in Spain —
liernadotte's letter to the Emperor — War declared against Prussia — Amount
of the French army — Supplies granted by the Senate — The guards of honour
■ — Death of Lagrange — Enthusiasm of France — Marshal Macdonald abati
doned — The King of Naples — Misunderstanding between Murat and Napo-
leon— Quarrels of the King and Queen of Naples — Murat's demand —
.Napoleon's decree — Letters from the Emperor to his sister and Murat — Inju-
dicious articles in the Moniteur — Maria-Louisa's indifference to the critical
nature of affairs — King Joseph falls back on France — Battle of Vittoria.

The hows which reached us from the army of Russia was as scarce as
it was discouraging. No letters passed ; we were deprived even of
that consolation which is so soothing to absent friends. Such was
our painful situation in the years 1812 and 1813. At that time the
first rumours reached Paris of the burning of Moscow* — that horrible
catastrophe, which the blind rage of Napoleon's enemies led them to
characterize as an heroic deed, and which would have been furiously
anathematized had the deed been perpetrated by his order. When
the deadly cold succeeded the flames of Moscow — those flames whose
devouring tongues spread through the Holy City with her forty times
forty cupolas — when the greater part of that army, surprised in the
midst of security, saw that a return home was almost impracticable —
then a fatal discouragement took possession of those brave men who
had so often faced the most formidable dangers. Too soon our
reverses l><"_'au to assume a. more decided aspect. In vain did the
Emperor endeavour to conceal the real state of affairs by pretended
confidence, and by is-nincr decrees res] ting the theatres, dated from

* See the Memoirs of the Comte de Segur, who girea He' mosl ample dttaili

of this Muaster.

106 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

\v. Nothing could prevent the truth reaching the arm} ; and
nothing could prevent it coming to us, notwithstanding our distance
from the scene of the terrible drama.

Kutuzow. wishing to prevent the junction of Marshal Victor,
attacked the King of Naples at Winskowo, and defeated him in spite
of his obstinate and courageous defence. Napoleon then determined
?:, his retreat. Thus, the whole of Europe in arms — more than a
million of men slaying each other — a capital burned and ravaged —
widows and orphans weeping — graves opening to receive those who
fell, even as they set foot on their native soil — all this tragedy was
at length terminated by a calamitous retreat. After forty days'
occupation, Napoleon abandoned Moscow — Moscow which he expected
to see in all her Muscovite and Gothic glory, with her Oriental
wealth, her gardens, her cupolas, and her roofs of gold — her palaces,
and her boyards. — All these he found buried beneath a heap of
ashes.

Napoleon had determined on his return to France amidst all the
disasters of the retreat. He first mentioned his intention to Duroc.
" If you had heard him," said the Duke de Frioul when relating this
conversation to me, " you would have admired him more than in any
other circumstance of his life." Napoleon next intimated his intended
return to the Duke de Vicenza, who had lost his brother in the
general mortality, and who was desirous to return into France to
console his mother. Napoleon told him that he should travel under
his name. The matter was also communicated to Berthier, who, with
the Dukes of Frioul and Vicenza, were the only persons to whom the
Emperor imparted his secret. On the 5th of December he set off
for Smorgony, after a long conference with General Hogendorp, the
Governor of YYilna, whom he ordered to make every possible
exertion to collect provisions and ammunition in the last-mentioned
town. " I shall have more weight on my throne at the Tuileries than
at the head of the army," said he, to the few persons who were near
him at the moment of his departure; — and he was right.

On the following night he had a narrow escape at Ochsmiana.
This was a small town, half fortified, and occupied by a party of
Kcenisberg troops. On the Emperor's arrival, a party of Cossacks
who entered the town by surprise, had just been repulsed. It was a
chance that the Emperor was not taken.* On his arrival at Wilna,

* This must have been a most unpardonable instance of neglect on the part
of the officer who had the command of the town. The great Conde said, "The
most able general may have the misfortune to be beaten, but never to ><» «ur
prised "

napoleon's arrival at the tuileries. 407

Napoleon stopped a short time to see the. Duke of Bassano, for whom
he entertained a most sincere friendship and esteem. He asked the
duke some questions respecting the condition of Wilna, then a point
of the utmost importance to the army. At Warsaw, where he arrived
at one in the afternoon, he would not alight at any private house.
lie went to the Hotel d'Angleterre, and immediately sent for M. de
Pradt, who had been despatched to Waisaw to collect information,
and draw up repoi'ts on the state of the country. M. de Pradt re-
mained for some time with the Emperor in a little parlour on the
ground floor of the Hotel d'Angleterre, for Napoleon would not allow
any other apartment to be prepared for him. It is a curious fact that
in this same parlour, in which the Emperor dined on the day of his
arrival at Warsaw, the dead body of Moreau was for a moment
deposited when the traitor's remains were conveyed into the country
for which his perfidious hand had pointed cannon against his country-
men and brothers in arms. The funeral convoy passed through
Warsaw, and rested at the Hotel d'Angleterre, and the coffin was
placed in the little parlour in which Napoleon had dined a few months
previously.

Nine days after his departure from Smorgony, Napoleon was at
Dresden, where he had a short interview with the King of Saxony.
From Dresden he proceeded to Erfurth. There he left his sledge,
and got into the travelling-carriage of M. de Saint-Aignan, the minister
from France to the Duke of Weimar, and brother-in-law of the Duke
of Vicenza. He afterwards passed through all the towns of the
frontiers, even Mentz ; and on the 19th of December, a quarter of an
hour after midnight, he arrived before the front gate of the Tuileries.
Since Mallet's conspiracy, unusual vigilance had been observed in all
that regarded the Police of Paris, and the guard of the palace. The
Empress was about to retire to bed when the Emperor's caleche
stopped at the gate. The guards did not fit first recognise him in the
little vehicle, in which he was seated with the. Duke de Vicenza., who
after a fortnight's tkte-a-tete, escorted the emperor to the door of Maria-
Louisa's chamber, and he himself hastened to lake that repose of which
he stood so greatlj in need. Before daybreak on the following

morning (the 20th of December), the cannon of the Invalidesani need

to the city of Paris thai the Emperor had returned. I was then too
ill to go to the Tuileries. I despatched my brother thither, as I was
very anxious to have intelligence of Junot, A.lberl on his return
informed me that the Emperor's levee had never been so splendid nor
so numerous. A.s to Napoleon himself, he was most kind and affable,
sympathizing in all the anxiety which prevailed, and in the most touch

108 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

hig manner soothing the fears of fathers and brothers who came tc
obtain intelligence of their relatives.

Napoleon, like all Sovereigns, felt a pride in being beloved. Yet
it is strange that in general he never thought of conferring any but
worldly recompenses on the men who were most sincerely devoted to
him ; as if a single kind word, coming sincerely from the heart,
would not have repaid such men better than a rich principality, such
as he sonferred on Davoust, who was not on that account the more
attached to him. On these •subjects the Emperor had singular ideas;
and yet, at the time to which I refer, he must well have known what
it was to suffer uneasiness of mind. A fermentation then going on in
Paris caused him to feel a degree of inquietude which, in spite of all
his fortitude and self-command, he could not conceal from those who
knew him well. When the Empress Josephine shared with him that
thorny seat called a throne, he could make her the confidant of his
vexations, and that confidence relieved him. With Maria-Louisa, on
the contrary, he was always obliged to keep up a sort of mask, and to
conceal from her the cloud which would sometimes gather on his brow ;
" for," thought he, " she may write to her father ; and the Austrian
family, who hate me, would rejoice to learn that I have my turn of
uneasiness and fear."

Whilst Napoleon was dejected by the first frowns wTith which
fortune had visited him, the Russians were triumphantly chanting their
songs of victory. Overjoyed at an event which they had no reason to
look for, and which was indeed almost the effect of chance, they did
not even see the sacrifice at which their success had been purchased,
nor the fragile base on which it stood. Muscovite vanity was reluctant
to acknowledge that the weather had had a large share in their victory;
though it was a general remark among the common people in Russia
that it was not General Kutuzow, but General Morosow* who had
destroyed the French army.

Warned of his danger by the tocsin which the powers of Europe,
sounded on all sides, Napoleon once more summoned the resources
of France, whose blood and treasures were never exhausted wher
either were required in the defence of her glory and honour. To the
occupation of Warsaw by the Russians,f the Emperor answered by a
Senatus Consultum,| which settled the regency during the minority
of the King of Rome. To the first step which was advanced to attack
him he opposed the assurance of the reversion of his power. To the

* The frost f On the 8th of February, 1813.

% See the Moniteur of the 5th of February, 1815.

ALLIANCE AGAINST FRANCE. 409

pioclamation of Alexander,* which invited the Germans to shake off
the yoke of France, he replied, by his speech to the Legislative Body.
"I wish for peace," said Napoleon in that speech. " It is necessary to
the world. Four times since the rupture of the treaty of Amiens I
have made formal propositions for it. But I will never conclude any
but an honourable peace, and one that is suitable to the greatness of
my empire."

The Emperor Alexander soon undertook to play the part of
pacificator of Europe. A manifesto from Warsaw, dated the 22d of
February, followed the proclamation of the 10th from the same city.
It called upon all the nations of Germany to declare their independence,
as if it would have been less honourable to them to answer the appeal
of Napoleon, than to bend before the lance of a Cossack ! Finally, on
the 1st of March, the sixth coalition against France was proclaimed
throughout Europe, and for the sixth time she proudly defied her
enemies. On the same day Prussia, following up her old system
of defection, deserted her falling friend, to form an alliance with one
whose fortune was raising. The treaty of alliance between Russia and
Prussia was signed at Kaliseh. At the same time England and
Sweden also signed a treaty for overthrowing the common enemy.
A man who was his natural ally — the brother-in-law of his brother,
signed the treaty which was to create another enemy to France and
to Napoleon; for the Prince Royal of Sweden did all, and Charles
XIII. was merely the shadow of a king. This new treaty of 1813 was
only a confirmation of preceding treaties (24th of March and 3d of May,
1815) ; but, on this occasion Sweden was bought. The price of her
treachery was twenty-five millions of francs, and the cession of
Guadaloupe, which had been abandoned to the English by General
Ernouf. A revolting degree of baseness characterized all these
treaties and capitulations.

Every day the most disastrous news arrived from Spain. Every
letter that reached us brought intelligence of the loss of a friend, a
battle, or a province. Marshal Soult, who by superhuman efforts had
struggled with his position, which had now been rendered worse by
the removal of the besl portion of his troops to the North, was
obliged to proceed to Valladolid in the north of Spain. This mea-
sure, which was indispensable, and which hail been delayed bul too
long, had a serious moral influence both on the enemy and on our
troops. Ii discouraged the latter in proportion as ii gave confidence
to the former; and our sojourn in Spain became more ihan ever pro-

• This was divted from Warsaw, 10th February, 1818.

ilO NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

carious. I think it must have been about this time that Bernadotte
ivr.'k' to the Emperor, recommending him, as a friend, to lay aside
his ambition, to moderate that thirst of conquest which was fatal tc
Europe. '"I am disinterested," added he, "in this question, and you
may believe that nothing but my profound attachment to my country
and to you prompts this recommendation."

Can any thing be conceived more preposterous than this !— Ber-
r.adotte, Prince of Sweden, telling Napoleon, Emperor of the French,
that he ought to sheathe his sword, when he, Bernadotte, draws his.
Bernadotte was now allied to all those antiquated Sovereigns which
his republican pride had so long spurned; — but among them there
was not one whose talent could cope with his. In this respect all.
except himself, were nuH.

Whilst these preparations were making for the denouement of the
grand drama, Napoleon was actively organizing his means of defence.
The guards of honour at once furnished these means, and became, as
it were, hostages for the security of the internal provinces. France,
which had been unceasingly insulted by Prussia, at length took a
decided step ; not traitorously, and in the dark, but openly, in the
Senate of the Empire. In that assembly the declaration of wai
against Prussia was read. This was a painful moment to those who,
like Junot and his brothers in arms, were acquainted with the re-
sources of France. They knew, for example, that the French army,
at the very time when wrar was declared against Prussia, consisted of
only thirty thousand veteran troops. Its head-quarters were at
Statsfurts, near Halberstadt. It was commanded by Prince Eugene,
who had taken up a position on the Elbe and the Saale, the scene of
our former glory. We were in possession of Magdeburg, Wittem
berg, and Torgau.

The Senate granted the Emperor the supplies he demanded for
repelling the meditated aggression against France. One hundred and
eighty thousand men were ordered to be raised by the Senatus Con-
sultum of the 3d of April, 1813. Among these were the ten thousand
guards of honour, who were the occasion of so much outcry being
raised against the Emperor. In this, as in many other cases, the
Emperor was too well served. He asked the minister of the interior
for only two thousand guards of honour, and it was thought to be the
most flattering compliment that could be paid to him to send ten
thousand. Thus eight thousand families vented their reproaches
against the Emperor, and cursed instead of blessing him. In addition
to the above supplies, thirty-seven civic cohorts were created for the
defence of the maritime fortresses.

NATIONAL ENTHUSIASM. 411

About this time an occurrence took place which deeply affected
the Emperor's spirits. It was the death of M. Lagrange, the cele-
brated mathematician. Napoleon was much attached to Lagrange,
and was deeply affected by his death ; indeed the event made an
impression on his mmd which appeared almost like a presentiment.
" I cannot master my grief," said he to Duroc ; " I cannot account for
the melancholy effect produced upon me by the death of Lagrange.
There seems to be a sort of presentiment in my affliction." Duroc
endeavoured to dissipate these gloomy forebodings, though he him-
self could not always escape their influence.

France has been reproached with having abandoned the cause of
Napoleon in 181-4. Perhaps there really was at that time a depres-
sion of spirit, which had its influence on the conduct of the French
people. But I can confidently affirm that in the preceding year (1813)
the public enthusiasm was very great. The country was once more
in danger. Napoleon openly proclaimed this, and France heard him.
The disasters of the retreat from Russia were frightful ; but such was
the affection which that man inspired, that the mass of the people
breathed not a syllable of reproach. Some few voices might be raised,
and occasionally foolish and even clever things might be said ; but
what of that ? France faithfully pursued her glory ; and the recollec-
tion of twenty years of victory was not to be effaced by a defeat,
which might still be excused by the confidence Napoleon reposed in
his allies. But he did not seek this justification, — he contented him-
self with calling his people to arms ; and 250,000 men rallied round
the national banners whenever the words foreign invasion were pro-
nounced.— These words were electrical. Prussia, who was the first,
as she ever has been, to give the signal of defection, then perpetrated
the odious affair of Taurogen. General York abandoned Marshal
Macdonald, who had penetrated victoriously into Samogitria, attacked
Livonia, and threatened Riga. Fie was then constrained to abandon
his success, and not only to fall back', but to see his unworthy ally
sign a convention with the Russians. Macdonald was obliged to retro-
grade as fir as LawartZ and the Oder, instead of establishing himself
in the eiieniv \ territory. But this treachery excited only a louder cry
to anus. France became a camp, and every town was an arsenal.

I have already mentioned thai the King of Naples departed for his
kingdom, consigning to Prince Eugene the command of the army
which Napoleon had intrusted to him (Murat). The Emperor had
placed a sacred trusl in his hands, bul he couldnof appreciate it, He
abandoned the precious remains of our brave legions, an I oas1 upon
die Viceroy of Italy the whole weight of that, responsibility, which

112 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

Naooleon had given as a mark of preference to one whom he though
the bravesl and most worthy. He retired from the danger, in short ;
for the truth must be told. — He forsook the army at Posen and
returned to Naples. I will here relate a few particulars which throw
some light on the obscurity of this part of his life. A rancorous
frrliug had superseded the sentiments which once united the two
brothers-in-law; these sentiments, however, had never been of the
most cordial description. Napoleon's partiality for Murat was ground-
ed solely on his courage, and the useful account to which it might be
turned. I do not say this from my own personal impression ; I state
the fact from positive information, divested of all partiality. The
Emperor did not cherish for Murat the sincere friendship which he
entertained for the other officers of the army of Italy. He used fre
quently to make him the subject of derision ; and many of us have
heard him laugh at the King of Naples, whom he used to call a Fran
coni King. This unfriendly feeling was of old date, and its cause was
well known to his intimate friends.

The circumstance which rendered King Joachim almost inimical co
his brother-in-law, had its rise in what took place at the time of his
expedition against Sicily (1809). Murat saw himself braved by the
Anglo-Sicilian fleet, and with an impulse of courage which was pecu
liar to him he exclaimed, en avant ! without even knowing that he
would be followed. He proposed a descent on Sicily. The course
was arranged, and one division, that of General Cavaignac, advanced
beyond the lighthouse. The other divisions did not follow. — Why, I
cannot pretend to say. But the King of Naples explained the matter
in a way which reflected great blame on his brother-in-law. This ex-
pedition failed. He attributed its non-success to the Emperor, who,
he alleged, had given secret orders. He returned to Naples mortified
by his defeat, and with revenge rankling in his heart. From that time
ill feeling was apparent between Murat and Napoleon, and a bitter
correspondence was carried on between the court of the Tuileriesand
that of Naples.

Queen Caroline, who had been carrying on a sort of opposition to
her husband, through circumstances of a purely domestic nature, see-
ing a fair pretext for war, took part against the King ; and the palace
of Naples presented the scandalous spectacle of a conjugal rupture.
These dissensions extended to the individuals of the court. Every
trifle afforded the King and Queen a pretext for annoying each other.
There was a physician or surgeon named Paborde, who was a great
favourite of the King, and was consequently detested by the Queen ;
Piborde was on th^ eve of marriage with a very beautiful young lady

DECREE AGAINST MURAT. 413

(Mademoiselle Saint Merae). This affair, which nobody would have
eared about, if the King and Queen had not meddled with it, became
a subject of deadly feud. Joachim, like all hen-pecked husbands,
declared loudly that he would not be controlled by his wife, and that
he would not be a second Bacciocchi. He regarded the French army
as a sort of auxiliary for seconding the Queen ; the consequence was,
that he demanded the recall of the French troops. The Emperor
frowned, and answered by a dry negative. Murat then manifested
feelings of the most absurd distrust. The Queen and he became
implacable enemies, and the interior of the palace of Naples was one
scene of discord. A second demand, equally maladroit and ill-timed,
completed the misunderstanding between the two crowned heads.
Murat required that all the French in his service should be natural-
ized as Neapolitans. The thing was ill-judged in every way. " Ah !"
said the Emperor, " then it would appear that our brother no longer
regards himself as a Frenchman." In his indignation at this proposi-
tion of Murat, Napoleon immediately issued the following decree,
which Joachim did not easily forget:

" Considering that the kingdom of Naples forms a ■portion of the
Grand Empire, — that the prince who reigns in that country, has risen
from the ranks of the French army ; that he was raised to the throne
by the efforts and the blood of Frenchmen, Napoleon declares that
French citizens are by right citizens of the two Sicilies."

I had at that time a great number of friends in Naples, several of
whom held appointments at the court. All concurred in assuring me
that nothing could be more absurd than the conduct of Murat on this
occasion. He skulked like a child, tore off his cross of the legion of
honour, and the grand cordons of the order. He repaired to Capodi-
monte, and there the most disagreeable scenes of altercation ensued
between him and the Queen. Murat devoted himself to low private
intrigues, and frequently passed a greater part of the night in reading
police reports, which were the more calculated to alarm him, inas
much as those who drew them up knew his weak side. To gratify his
taste for espionage, he lost sight of what, was due to himself; for he
would receive and converse with the lowest and most degraded
informers. Still, in spite of all his weakness, Mural had some good
points in his character. In 1812, when the drums beat to arms, he
seemed anxious thai the Emperor should summon him, When the
summons was given, though he appeared to hesitate, he was neverthe-
less resolved. He set oil' tor Russia, bul it was with a sore heart;
and he manifested hi- grievances at an ill-chosen moment. As the
Emperor said of him, he was always heave on the field of battle: and

4:14 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

in the campaign of Russia, he showed all the greatest valoui and
determination. He gained battles over the Russians, and added to
tin- glory of our eagles. In the dreadful retreat from Moscow the
Emperor was surrounded by a battalion which might justly have
been called his imperial battalion. In it, colonels discharged the duty
of sub-officers, and generals that of captains and lieutenants. Mural
was colonel of tins battalion. There was something chivalrous in this
body of men, decorated with gold epaulettes, thus constituting them
pelves the guard of their beloved chief; for such Napoleon was to
them at that time, though he thought proper to tell me, in the audi-
ence I had with him after his return from Russia, that he experienced
nothing but ingratitude.

It has beeu alleged that when Murat received the command from
the Emperor, he consented only to lead the army into the Prussian
territory, and that as soon as it should reach Konigsberg, he was to
return to Naples. Those who knew any thing of the Emperor, must
be convinced of the inaccuracy of this statement. Is it to be sup-
posed that at a moment when he had serious reason to be displeased
with Murat, he would have allowed the latter to dictate terms to him
■ — he, who would never receive a dictation from any of the powers of
Europe 1 The idea is absurd ; besides, an article in the Moniteur of
the 8th of February, that is, after he learned that Murat had aban-
doned the command, proves quite the contrary. The following is the
article alluded to : " The King of Naples, being indisposed, has been
obliged to resign the command of the army, which he has transferred
to the Prince Viceroy. The latter is more accustomed to the manage-
ment of important trusts, and he has the entire confidence of the
Emperor." On the 24th and 26th of the preceding January, Napo-
leon had written the following letter to his sister Caroline. "The
King of Naples has left the army. Your husband is very brave on
the field of battle, but he is weaker than a woman or a monk when he
is not in the presence of the enemy. He has no moral courage." In
February or March following, he wrote to Murat thus: "I will not
say any thing here of my dissatisfaction of your conduct since I left
the army, for that is owing to the weakness of your character. You
are a good soldier. You fight bravely on the field of battle ; but out
of it you have neither character nor energy. However. I presume
you are not of the number of those who believe that the lion is dead,
and that they may. . . .If you make this calculation you are completely
deceived. You have done me all the barm that you possibly could do
Brace my departure from Wilna. But I will say no more of that

MARIA-LOUISE AND THE LADIES OF THE COURT. 415

The title of King has turned your head. If you wish to preserve that
title, you must look to your conduct."

This letter, which was addressed to Murat in 1813, gave the
finishing stroke to his wounded vanity, which had been not a little
mortified by the article in the Moniteur. He now became the enemy
of Napoleon.

I may here observe that it was singularly injudicious in Napoleon
t< sanction the insertion of offensive personalities in the Moniteur.
fie perhaps created more enemies by that unfortunate journal than
by his cannon. The article on the Queen of Prussia, for example,
which was at once false and unjust ; — those on the Prince of Sweden,
M. de Stadion, M. de Metternich, etc., together with all that appeared
from 1803 to 1814 against the Prince of Wales, afterwards George
IV. Truly, it is inconceivable, that so great a man as Napoleon
should have resorted to such petty means of punishing those who had
incurred his displeasure.

Meanwhile the clouds gathered more and more thickly, and the
storm seemed ready to break. At this critical moment how was
Maria-Louisa employed, — she who, of all others, might be supposed
to tremble when the Austrian cannon were about to roar on the
heights of Montmartre? — The Empress occupied herself in working
embroidery, and playing on the piano. She visited her son. or had
him brought to her at certain hours of the day, and the child, who
knew his nurse better than his mother, could sometimes with difficulty
be prevailed on to hold up his little rosy face to let the Empress kiss
him. Maria-Louisa was not a general favourite with the frequenters
of the court. This may be easily accounted for. Her associations
were restricted to her own little interior circle, and the Duchess de
Montebello was almost the only individual admitted to her familiaril y.
This choice was doubtless a good one, but, still she mighl have made
herself more agreeable at those little soirees, to which only about
forty or fifty ladies were admitted. These ladies were alternately
invited, so that about ten or twelve were present every evening,
Th'-y were the dames du pa la is. am! 1 lx ■ ladies of honour to the Impe-
rial Princesses.

Spain had fell the counter-stroke of the disasters of the North.
King Joseph, after having exerted every human effort, was compelled
to retire upon l-'ranee. At this juncture, it was especially requisite
that our force in Spain should have I n headed by such men a;

Marshal Soult or .Marshal Suehet. But the former was still iii

Saxony, and the latter was occupied in driving Sir George Murray
from Tarragona, who at length lied ami left us all his artillery. But

410 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

what signified this victory ? — Jourdan, who commanded King Joseph's
army, was unluckily at the head of it at the fatal battle of Vittoria.
All was lost — baggage, artillery, everything fell into the hands of the
enemy. The road to France was impracticable; it was necessary to
proceed by the way of Parnpeluna, and even in that direction the road
was covered with guerrillas. It was there that Geneial Toy, with
twenty thousand men, stopped almost the whole right wing of the
English army at the battle of Tolosa in Biscay.

On hearing of the disastrous battle of Vittoria, the Emperor sent
for Marshal Soult. " You must depart for Spain," said he, " in an
hour. All has been lost by the strangest mismanagement. Depart,
and serve me — serve your country, as 1 know you can serve her, and
my gratitude will be boundless !" Marshal Soult departed from
Dresden, possessed of no other information than the total destruction
of the army of Spain. He arrived on the frontier just as the expiring
wrecks of that superb army had touched their native soil. He rallied
them, and attacked the enemy at Roncrsvalles. The battle was
obstinately contested; but what availed even the talent of Soult? it
could not recall the dead to life. After the battle of Vittoria the
army had ceased to exist. Its miserable remains retired into France,
after leaving upwards of eight thousand men among the mountains of
Roncesvalles.

CHAPTER XLIV.

Die continental coalition — The Tugend-Band — Proclamation from Hartwell —
Prussia declares war against France— Military position of Europe — Napo-
leon's departure from Paris — The Imperial family at Dresden — Erfurt — -
Battle of Weissenfeld — Defiles of Poserna — Death of Marshal Bessieres —
Battle of Lutzen — Napoleon at the tomb of Gustavus Adolphus — The King
of Saxony and Prince Eugene — Scene between the Emperor and M. Metter-
nich — Battle of Bautzen — Bernadotte joins the Allies — Visit from Lavalette
— Death of Duroc — The King of Naples — His alarm respecting the English
— He rejoins Napoleon — Treaties of Reichenbaeh and Peterswalden — Junot
at Gorizia — General Moreau's arrival in Europe — His interview with the
allied Sovereigns at Prague — The Emperor Alexander — General J . . . . —
The two renegades — Moreau's death — His remains conveyed to St. Peters-
burgh.

The sixth continental coalition, as I have said, was now formed against
France. The Emperor, had, perhaps, provoked the total defection

THE TUGEND-BAND. 417

of Prussia, by his ill-judged rejection of the propositions addressed,
on the 6th of February, by M. Hardenberg to Count, de Saint
Marsan, our minister at Berlin. These propositions had for their
object to make the King of Prussia a pacificator between the two
Emperors. The court of Berlin, and especially the King, were per-
fectly sincere when, in February, 1813, they offered their mediation.
Two circumstances of little importance prevented it being accepted.
and induced Napoleon to place but little faith in this friendly propo-
sition, the protecting air of which was certainly ill calculated to please
him. It is well known that after the battle of Jena the Emperor
Napoleon received overtures from the famous association called the
Tugend-Band (the union of virtue). This association, which had
already assumed a formidable character, invited Napoleon to eman-
cipate Germany, and to confer on her representative and liberal
institutions. The Emperor committed the impolitic error of refusing ;
and his refusal was attended by two fatal results to himself and to
France. The first was, to convert into an implacable and powerful
enemy a force which in his hands might have become the lever of the
north of Europe, by placing at his disposal all the youth of Germany.
The Tugend-Band had greatly augmented its power since the battle
of Jena. The cabinet of Berlin was under the influence of that asso-
ciation, and was its organ in important circumstances: it had been
instrumental in determining .King William to depart for Breslau,
where other interests were to come under discussion. The Tugend-
Band thus became the enemy of Napoleon, through his refusal to
espouse its cause. On learning that the King of Prussia was at
Breslau, Napoleon smiled, with an expression which enabled those
who observed him to guess what was passing in his mind. The note
communicated to M. de Saint-Marsan was refused, with some offensive
remark. There were two causes which al thai time urged the Em-
peror to a sort of half-revealed hostility towards Prussia: — the
certainty he supposed he possessed of the treason of the cabinet of
Berlin; ami on the other hand, the extreme confidence he reposed in
♦he cabinel of Vienna.

In 1813, and even, I may say, in the beginning of 1814, the
Powers of Europe entertained no intention of re-establishing the
Bourbons on the throne of St. Louis. In the circles in which I mixed
in Pari-, I everj day beard conversations in which the dangers of
France were freely discussed ; but the possibility of the Bourbons
being broughl back by the Allies was never thought of. Ai length
the famous proclamation of Louis XVIII. was circulated on the coasts
of Normandj and Brittanj l>\ English cruisers. This proclamation
or,

418 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

was ably written, like every thing which emanated from the pen of
Louis XYI1I. 1 cannol describe the astonishment it excited in France
— in Paris particularly. The exiles of Hartweil had been forsaken
and even forgotten by the English ministers since 1811. The effort?
and the gold of the cabinet of St. James's had been tried in another
quartei But seeing all the. advantage that might be derived from a
diversion in favour of the deposed Bourbon family, Lord Liverpool
joyfully embraced the scheme. It succeeded beyond his most
sanguine hopes, and proved the death-blow of Napoleon. The
reverses of the Russian campaign might have been repaired. The
affection of a great people would still have furnished their Sovereign
with immense resources; but before Napoleon could ask for proofs
of that affection, there suddenly rose up Defore him an unknown
enemy. This enemy appeared like a man rising from the grave to a
multitude of persons who had abandoned the white flag, sincerely
believing its cause to be lost for ever. Napoleon, who for fifteen
years had occupied the throne of France, his claim to which was
legitimately acquired by his services and the voice of the people, now
heard the appalling words Usurper I and Legitimacy ! That which
he justly regarded as the rightful inheritance of his son was now about
to be wrested from him in the name of the old cause, which he had
every reason to believe was lost and forgotten. This new adversary
was more fearful than all the rest.*

Meanwhile, Prussia declared war against France, and proclaimed
her accession to the treaty of continental alliance. We were then in
a terrible position ! The army commanded by Prince Eugene, which
constituted our principal force, did not amount to two thousand men
— veteran troops ! The viceroy performed prodigies during the time
he remained without aid, and almost without hope, surrounded only
by dissatisfied troops, and by allies ready to desert our cause. We
were still in possession of Magdeburg ; the Viceroy's head-quarters
were at Stassfurth, near Halberstadt ; and Rapp, who was shut up in
Dantzick, maintained himself like a hero. Junot had departed for

* About this period, March, 1813, a great deal was said about a letter written
to the Emperor by the Prince Royal of Sweden. This letter was said to be a
soir of lesson read by the pupil to his master; and it was very well known that
that master had no inclination to take advice, even from those he loved. Conse
quently, he regarde 1 the demand made to him by Bernadotte to give peace to
Europe as an offence of the gravest kind. Bernadotte was evidently seeking a
pretext for a complete rupture with France. He must have known Napoleon
well enough to be assured of the effect to be produced on him by advice con-
veyed in the shape of remonstrance.

Mil ITARY POSITION OF EUROPE. 419

tne Illyrian Provinces and Venice, for the English threatened the
coast of all that part of the south, and the Emperor saw, in the horn
of danger, the advantage of sending thither a man devoted to him
like his old friend. Berlin was occupied by the Cossacks. The new
city of Dresden was taken by the Prussians. Hamburgh was evacu-
ated, and the forces of the French army, though formidable in
appearance, were not calculated to inspire confidence in men capable
of appreciating them. The Emperor's departure, which took place
on the 15th of April, caused a deep sensation in the city of Paris.
On all previous occasions his departure had never given rise to
apprehension. Victory had ever been faithful to him ! — But fortune
had ceased to smile, and alarm had taken the place of confidence.
News was looked for with a mingled feeling of impatience and fear.
It was known that negotiations were opened ; — but what would be the
result !

The Imperial family assembled at Dresden. The Emperor of
Austria, the best of men and most affectionate of fathers, was happy
to see his daughter again, and above all to see her happy ; for so she
certainly was. At that time the Emperor Francis was not inclined
to go to war. Austria was no doubt eager to repair her losses, and
especially to make amends for the vast misfortunes which had sur-
rounded her since 1805. Thus, in 1808, the cabinet of Vienna
proposed to that of St. Petersburgh the triple alliance of Austria,
Prussia, and Russia; which proposition was rejected. But, in 1813,
if Napoleon had consented to restore the Illyrian Provinces and some
other conquests useless to France, but important to Austria, the latter
power would have been, what natural and political laws had ordained
she should be — our faithful ally.

Napoleon having left Paris on the, 15th of April, arrived at Mentz
on the 17th, and on the 25th reached Erfurth. Here he remained a
few days, and then proceeded to his head-quarters. The battle of
Weissenfels was fought on the 29th of April. Our advanced guard.
composed entirely of infantry, for we had no cavalry since the
disasters of Moscow, defeated the Russian advanced guard, which
was composed entirely of cavalry. Alas! this partial triumph was
the precursor of a sad reverse of fortune. The ground was disputed

foot by foot. Napoleon was well aware that the issue of the

campaign depended on its opening. The conflict was obstinate on
both sides, mid every little skirmish was attended with vast bloodshed.
General Wittgenstein commanded a numerous force of infantry and
cavalry, with which he was instructed o defend the defile, or rathei
the defiles of Poserna. A formidable 'irtillery force augmented thf

420 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

strength of this position, which, nevertheless, Napoleon resolved tc
oarry. This was on the eve of the battle of Bautzen, and Napoleor
made choice of Bessieres for the dangerous enterprise. On the 1st
of May, the Marshal, seeing the defiles of Poserna so formidably
defended, and knowing how important it was for the French army to
gain possession of them, entered the defile of Rippach, which was
more strongly defended than the rest, and advanced, sword in hand,
at the head of the tirailleurs, whom he encouraged at once by his
■words and his example. The. heights were carried, the enemy was
routed, and we were in possession of the defile. At this moment
Bessieres, who was always the first in the face of danger, received
a fatal wound. A ball entered his breast, and he breathed his
last before he could be fully aware of the glory that attended
his death.

His aides-de-camp, and those immediately about him, for a time
concealed the event from the knowledge of the army. A cloak was
thrown over the body, and the Emperor was the only person made
acquainted with the misfortune. The intelligence overwhelmed him.
Bessieres's death was an immense loss to Napoleon ; he felt it both
as a Sovereign and a friend. That same night the Emperor wrote
these few lines to the Duchess of Istria : " Your husband has perished
for France — and he closed without pain his glorious life."

After this first disastrous loss, a triumph, though won with blood-
stained laurels, was ostentatiously announced by the French journals.
This was the battle of Lutzen. Napoleon probably wished to revive
the recollection of Gustavus Adolphus, who died and was interred
at Lutzen. The Emperor arrived at the latter place on the night of
the 1st of May. His spirits were deeply depressed. The death of
Bessieres, which had happened only a few hours before, and which he
was constrained to conceal ; — the critical circumstances in which he
was placed, all tended to cast a gloom on every surrounding object.
Napoleon was not usually influenced by external circumstances ; but
here the moral effect produced a reaction. He visited the tomb of
Gustavus Adolphus* and there, in the silence of night, during the
interval between the loss of a beloved friend and the gaining of a
victory, Napoleon experienced impressions, which, by his own ac-
knowledgment, appeared to him a sort of revelation. Be this as it
may, the battle of Lutzen was won by a sort of phenomenon, or an
inspiration of the Emperor's genius, which a mind like his might
naturally attribute to a sort of predestination.

* There is an obelisk erected on the spot near the road-side from Weissen
fels to Leipsic, where Gustavus fell.

NAPOLEC N AXD METTERXICH's HAT. 421

"This is like one of our Egyptian battles," said he, as he surveyed
the ground — " we have infantry and artillery, but no cavalry, — gen-
tlemen, we must not spare ourselves here !" He afterwards re-
marked, " I have gained the battle of Lutzen like the General-in-
Chief of the army of Italy, and the army of Egypt!" In the. utmost
heat of the action Napoleon alighted from his horse, and, to use his
own words, he did not spare himself. Whole batteries were carried
by bayonet charges. Meanwhile Prince Eugene, by a skilful and
well-executed march, had opened the gates of Dresden to the good
King of Saxony. This was the last exploit of the Viceroy's brilliant
campaign. Unfortunately, Napoleon required his services in Italy,
whither he returned on the 12th of May — the very day on which the
King of Saxony re-entered his capital. On the 18th of May, Eugene
was in Milan. By his intelligence and activity he raisud a new
army, and that army was fighting in Germany in the month of August
following. It consisted of forty-five thousand infantry, and two
thousand cavalry. All this partakes of the miraculous ; within the
space of eleven months the army of Italy furnished nearly ninety
thousand troops — forty thousand at the beginning of 1812; twenty
thousand in the autumn ; and twenty-eight thousand at the end of
March, 1813. These latter, commanded by General Bertrand, joined
the army of Germany on the very day of the battle of Lutzen. The
departure of Prince Eugene made a deep impression on Austria.
His journey was regarded, though perhaps unjustly, as a proof of
distrust; and at that moment, when Austria openly assumed the char-
acter of armed mediator, her dignity felt wounded.

Napoleon had a conference with Count Metternich, for at that
time he had not been elevated to the rank of Prince. The conversa-
tion was warmly maintained, and there appeared reason to apprehend
that something unpleasant might ensue. The Emperor began to
lose all self-command. He advanced towards M. de Metternich,
speaking in an elevated tone of voice, and by a sudden motion of his
arm, he struck the hat which M. de Metternich held in his hand, and
it fell to the ground. Napoleon saw this, and appeared a little dis-
ooncerted at the accident. The interlocutors continued walking
iboul ; M. de Metternich maintained his sang-froid, and took no
notice of the hat. This circumstance, so trivial in if sell', had its
influence on the mind of Napoleon ; he became preoccupied, and

looked at the unfortunate hat every ti be passed it, in a way that

showed he was not a little vexed at his own warmth. "What will
he do?" thought M. de Metternich, who was resolved to go away
without bis hat, rather than itoop to take it up. After two or three

±22 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

turns up and down the room, the Emperor, by an artful manoeuvre,
managed to pass quite close to the hat, so that it came precisely ir
his way. He then gave it a gentle kick with his foot, picked it up,
and carefully laid it on a chair which stood near him. In this little
affair, so insignificant in itself, Napoleon showed all the address and
presence of mind which he so well knew how to exercise in matters
of greater importance.

Whilst the army of Italy was engaged in opposing the Russians,
the most active communications were maintained between France
and Austria, Count Louis de Narbonne, and M. de Caulaincourt,
both of whom were very anxious to bring about peace, to which they
were likewise cdnvinced Russia was not averse, were appointed to
negotiate on the part of France. The battle of Bautzen was fought
on the 21st of May. On the 2d of May, the day on which the battle
of L'utzen was gained, Napoleon had remarked, " We shall conquer
about three o'clock this afternoon." A similar prediction preceded
the victory of Bautzen. But what torrents of blood sullied <~>ur
laurels ! Our loss was considerable, though inferior to that of the
Russians and Prussians. The Emperor, on his part, acknowledged
the loss of twenty thousand men. Nevertheless the advantage at-
tending the victory was immense. It rendered us masters of all the
roads leading to Silesia, and thus opened to us the heart of Prussia.

The news of the junction of the Prince Royal of Sweden, circu
lated about this time, with the coalition of the allies, added to the
public disquiet. On the 18th of May, he had landed at Stralsund
with 30,000 Swedes. This, on the part of Bernadotte, was an abso-
lute treason to his country, which nothing can ever obliterate. At
Stralsund he assembled, under his own command, an army of a hun
dred and forty thousand men, consisting of Russians, Prussians, and
Swedes. This was the army which, after having beaten Marshal Ney
at Dumewitz, as well as the brave Oudinot, saved Berlin, by prevent
ing Napoleon from profiting by the advantage gained at Dresden.

Paris was deserted. Those ladies whose husbands were absent
with the army, had set off to their country seats, or to the different
watering places, and none remained in the capital except those who,
like myself, had peremptory reasons for not leaving it. A little
circle of friends assembled at my house every evening. Lavalette
came to see me on one of these occasions, and I observed that he
looked gloomy and chagrined, he who was always so cheerful and
good-humoured. " Heavens !" exclaimed I, " what is the matter ]
You look as melancholy as if you had come from a funeral !" Lava-
lette changed colour. He put his hand into his bosom, and drew out

DEATH OF DUROC. 423

a lottei. It was from the grand army, and was in the handwriting
of Duroc. — " Ah !" said I. " a thousand thanks for this. I have not
had news for so long a time !"

I broke open the letter; it had been written at two separate
times, and so rapidly that it was scarcely legible. He had begun to
write to me on the eve of the battle of Bautzen, and had finished the
letter next day — so at least I imagined.

Next morning, before ten o'clock, M. de Lavalette again called
or. me. On recollecting his agitated manner the night before, a sin
ister idea crossed my mind; I thought of Illyria, and running to meet
him as soon as he entered, I exclaimed, "What has happened to
Junot?" — " Nothing," he replied : and seating himself beside me, he
took both my hands in his, and said in that feeling manner, so pecu-
liarly his own : — •'* My dearest friend, we have sustained a great mis-
fortune, for it is a misfortune common to us all." Then, after a
pause, as if fearful to utter the fatal words, he added : " Duroc is
dead ! — He was killed at the battle of Ripenbach, or rather by one
of those fatalities which Providence is pleased to inflict upon us — it
was after the battle was ended !"

He then informed me that Duroc, standing behind the Emperor,
in conversation with General Kirschner, was killed by the rebound
of a bail, which was fired from so great a distance, that it was incon
ceivable how it should have taken effect. It did so, however, and too
fatally, for the second rebound inflicted Duroc's death-blow. This
event deeply affected the Emperor. He followed the Duke de Frioul
to a cottage, to which he was conveyed, in the village of Marksdorfij
at the entrance of which the fatal occurrence took place. Duroc,
who was scarcely able to breathe, was laid otl a bed, and a sheet, was
thrown over him. On seeing the Emperor so deeply moved, he
said : —

"Sire, leave this scene I entreat you; it is too much for your
feelings. I consign my family to your care." Duroc was one of
tlmse rare rnen who are but sparingly sent into the world, lie was
universally beloved and esteemed, and the favour which the Emperor
bestowed on him, never excited envy. His death was an irreparable
loss t'> Napoleon.

I had many friends at Naples, attached (<> the court of the Queen
and King Joachim ; and I received from them, about this time, letters
which surprised me strangely. The King, I was informed, had re-
ceived from the Emperor orders to rejoin him in Germany, and it
was reported, even in the interior of the palace, that Joachiui refused
to go. 1 may here briefly relate thu circumstances which followed

424 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the inexplicable departure of the King of Naples, when he abandoned
the French at Poseu on the 17th of January, 1813. Murat, doubt-
less, behaved badly to the Emperor; but a fact which I can certify,
because I have proofs of it in my possession, is, that a conspiracy
formed in the bosom of his family was the sole cause of his first
faults. It was likewise a very artfully contrived scheme, which occa-
sioned his precipitate departure from Posen on the 17th of January.
Unfounded alarms were raised in the mind of Joachim relative to the
designs of the English on his dominions. Urgent messages were dis-
patched to him with the intelligence that an English fleet was in
sight of the coast of Calabria, and that preparations wrere making for
a landing. This intelligence, together with letters from the Queen,
induced him suddenly to leave his head-charters at Posen. He set
oft* accompanied by his aide-de-camp General Rosetti, and hurried to
Naples, in a state of anxiety which almost deprived him of the power
of sleeping or taking food. Sometimes he would rub his head, and
wildly exclaim, " The English ! the English ! — Rosetti ; you will see
that when we get to Florence, we shall find they have landed, and
that they are masters of Calabria !"

Instead of repairing to Naples, he proceeded to Caserte, where the
Queen and her family then were. The lady who furnished me with
these particulars was at that time at Caserte, in the exercise of her
court duty. She assured me that the first interview between Joachim
and Caroline was exceedingly cold and constrained, and that violent
scenes ensued after the King's return. Murat rejoined the Emperoi
during the armistice of Plewitz. Napoleon gave him the command
of the right wing of the army on the day of the battle of Dresden,
From that time to the moment of his departure for Italy, which was
after the battle of Leipsic, his conduct was worthy of what he had
shown himself to be when with the army of Italy, and in Egypt. He
seemed anxious to prove that he had no wish to spare his blood in
the service of the Emperor.

Our ill-fortune in Spain produced a fatal influence in the North, in
spite of the presence of Napoleon. The combined disasters of Russia
and the Peninsula inspired our adversaries with renewed confidence.
Alliances were signed against us in all quarters. The treaties of
Reichenbach and Peterswalden gave to the coalition an army of two
hundred and fifty thousand men; and yet, at the commencement of
the campaign, England was so destitute of financial resources that she
.jould not grant subsidies. About this time I received a letter from
Junot, dated Gorizia. He had set out on a l>ng journey along the
shore of the Adriatic : but the information he received led him to

MOREAU RETURNS TO EUROPE. 425

apprehend that the English would effect a landing at Frame. He
immediately returned to Gorizia; and on the 5th of July the English
really presented themselves before Fiume with a small squadron,
consisting of an eighty gun ship and several smaller vessels filled
with English troops. The ships fired on the city, and, after a short
resistance, which was abridged by the defection of some Croatian
troops, the English effected a landing.

General Moreau, who had resided for some time in America, em-
barked on the 21st of June for Europe, accompanied by his wife and
M. de Swinine, a person attached to the Russian embassy. Moreau
returned to Europe with revenge in his heart, and a determination to
wreak it at any price, even that of honour. He landed, I think, at
Gothemberg, on the 24th of July, and from thence proceeded to
Prague to see the Allied Sovereigns, who awaited him with a degree
of impatience which seemed to say, — We count on you to aid us in
our designs on France. He engaged to direct the operations of the
campaign. No doubt he must have felt many bitter pangs of re-
morse, when he beheld those national colours and those uniforms
which he himself had so often led against the Austrians and Prussians.
On the eve of the battle of Dresden, the Emperor Alexander came to
him and said, " I have come to receive your commands ; I am your
aide-de-camp." A Russian officer who was present on this occasion,
assured me that when the Emperor Alexander uttered the above
words, Moreau became deadly pale, and trembled so violently thai it
was easy to discern the painful state of his feelings. One da\ he met
General J . . . , who, owing to some cause of dissatisfaction, had left
the French army, in which he had long served. Moreau. though but
slightly acquainted with him, was so happy to find some one situated
like himself, that he stepped up to him nnd took him cordially by the
hand. General J...., however, withdrew his hand, and replied
coolly to the greeting of Moreau. "It is somewhat strange," said
the latter to his fellow renegade, but with a certain degree of reserve,
for he saw the other was not inclined to meet his advances, "it is
strange that we should meel here under circumstances so similar." —
;' it is one of the \\ himsical decrees of fate," replied < reneral .1 .... ,
'■hut after all, our cases are nol so very similar; for you must Know
I am not a Frenchman." Moreau heaved a deep Bigh, and covering
his face with his hand, turned away and said no more. This oircum
stance took place three or four days before his death."'

* He was killed in the following manner: Accompanied by the Emperot
Alexander, he vru making a reconnoiseance before Dresden, on the -7th of

126 NAPOLEON. HIS COURT AND FAMILY

CHAPTER XLV.

The Duke de Kovigo — Junot's illness and death — State of Spain — Treaty cf
alliance with Denmark — Congress of Prague — Propositions to Austria—
Rapture of the Armistice — Prince Schwartzenburg — Battle of Dresden —
Victory — Reverses — Surrender of St. Sebastian — Treaty of Tceplitz — Battla
of Katzbach— Wellington enters France — Battle of Leipsic — Death of Prince
Poniatowski — Napoleon's visit to the King of Saxony — The French army
cross the Rhine — The Emperor's arrival at Mentz — Surrender of Pampeluna
— The French driven from Spain — The typhus fever — Treachery of Prince
Schwartzenburg and the Prince of Wirtemberg — Evacuation of Holland — -
Restoration of the House of Orange — Napoleon's arrival at St. Cloud —
Murat — Intrigues of England — Admiral Bentinck and the Duke de Vau-
guyon — The Emperor's laconic letter to Murat.

The severe shocks I had sustained by the death of my two valued
friends, Bessieres and Duroc, had produced a serious effect upon my

August, 1813. The Czar, following up his declaration of being Moreau's aide-
de-camp, obliged him to pass first along a bridge, which was rather narrow.
A ball fired from the French army struck Moreau, and shattered his right knee,
then, after passing through the body of his horse, it carried away a part of his
left leg. Consternation prevailed throughout the Russian camp. The Czar
was deeply affected. As to Moreau, he suffered a martyrdom of agony. A
litter was formed, which was supported on the Cossacks' pikes, and in this
manner Moreau was borne from the field of battle. He was conveyed to a
house, where the Emperor Alexander's chief surgeon amputated his right leg.
He bore the operation courageously, and when it was over he said to the sur-
geon, — "But the left, sir, what is to be done with that?" The surgeon looked
at him with surprise. — "Yes," pursued Moreau, "what is to be done with this
fragment of a limb? It, is perfectly useless." The surgeon replied that he
feared it would be impossible to save it. — "Then cut it off," said General
Moreau, coolly; and he extended his leg with a stoicism which would have
been truly sublime, had he received the wound for his country. He suffered
the most terrible agon}-. The Emperor Alexander was deeply afflicted at the
terrible death of the man whom he had called his friend, and taken as his
counsellor. He shed tears upon his deathbed. The whole of the allied army
might be said t«> have received a wound in the person of General Moreau. It
teemed as though the ball had been multiplied, and had struck all the com-
manders at once. The army was beaten at every point, and completely routed.
The torments endured by General Moreau might almost be regarded as a retri-
butive punishment. An aide-de-camp of the Emperor Alexander informed ma
that he was assailed by an intolerable thirst, and that he suffered the torture >f

junot's illness. 427

health — but, alas ! a still more dreadful stroke awaited me. One
day, as I was reclining on my sofa, after a sleepless night and much
suffering, I was startled by the voice of my brother, who was speak-
ing loudly in the adjoining room. In his interlocutor I fancied I
recognised the voice of the Duke de Rovigo. Tn a moment the door
was opened, and the Duke, though held back by my brother, forced
his way into the room. "I come by command of the Emperor,"
replied the Duke, " and in his name I must have free access every
where." At these words Albert ceased to dispute his entrance, and
he advanced into the room. Albert stepped up to me, and, taking
both my hands in his, said in a voice faltering with agitation, "My
beloved sister — summon all your resolution, I implore you. The
Duke brings you sad tidings — Junot has been attacked with a serious
illin ss." These words pierced me to the heart — I uttered a stifled
scream, but could not articulate a single word. Albert, perceiving
the thought that crossed my mind, embraced me, and said, " No, on
my honour, nothing has happened worse than what I tell you. My
dear sister, compose yourself, for the sake of your children, for the
sake of Junot, I entreat you."

The suddenness of the intelligence completely overpowered me.
I had received, only four days previously, a long letter from Junot,
which bore not the. slightest trace of the terrible illness that was now
so unexpectedly disclosed to me. The Emperor would not allow
Junot to be brought to Paris for medical aid, but directed that he
should be taken to his family at Montbard. Alas! my most dread
ful anticipations were realized. The most unfortunate scene had
ensued on the arrival of my husband in his paternal home. Junot's
father, who was naturally of a melancholy temperament, sunk into a
state of helpless stupor, on witnessing the afflicting malady of his son.
Junot's sisters could do nothing but weep and lament, and his
nephew, Charles Maldan, was a perfect nullity. Junol was, indeed,
surrounded by the affection of the inhabitants of his native town, who
seemed to vie with eaeh other in showing him marks of the most
r.oblc and generous attention.

There are events which the mind cannol endure to dwell on, in
spite of any effort to summon resolution. I can scarcely ever bring
myself to think or speak of the melancholy scenes which ensued at

n death in the desert lie expired on the nighl <>( the let <>f September. Hi*
body was embalmed at Prague, and conveyed to St. Petersburg, where the Czar
caused it to !><•. buried in the Catholic church of that city.

428 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Montbard after the arrival of Junot. who breathed his last on tha
29th of July, at four in the afternoon.*

The intelligence from Spain, received in private letters, was very
alarming. Napoleon still maintained the war in the Peninsula, and
contented himself with sending back Marshal Soult, whose forces he
diminished by taking twelve thousand of the guards, and nearly
forty thousand of the old troops. This was depopulating the army
of Spain. The result of this measure was, Marshal Suchet was
obliged to leave Valencia, and march on the Ebro. In the mean
time we signed a treaty of alliance with Denmark, and the Congress
of Prague was opened. At that congress were decided the destinies
of Europe, and Napoleon lost the game he was playing against the
Sovereigns solely by his own fault. One of the causes which chiefly
contributed to his error was the mistaken opinion he had formed of
M. Metternich. I have heard him express this opinion in conversa-
tion. Subsequently, perhaps, he corrected it; but at that time M
Metternich's noble spirit was wounded.

On the 8th of August Napoleon sent new propositions to the Em-
peror Francis. New discussions ensued. The 10th of August
arrived ; the armistice was broken, and the Sovereigns of Sweden,
Russia, and Prussia, signified to France their intention of resuming
hostilities. There then appeared reason to believe that Napoleon's
object had been merely to gain the time necessary for the arrival of
his troops.

As to the confederation of the Rhine, it was first proposed to
break it up, then continue it. The whole of Italy was to remain
under the direct or indirect domination of France. We therefore
became a dangerous rival to England with our ports, and those of
Italy, Belgium, and Holland. The war commenced. Napoleon now
had to depend upon the resources of his genius. The allied forces
amounted to six hundred thousand men, whilst those of France did
not exceed three hundred and fifty thousand, two-thirds of which con-
sisted of young conscripts scarcely arrived at manhood. To the
numerical advantage of the Allies must be added the immense advan-
tage they possessed in fighting on friendly territories, with the facility
of obtaining provisions, etc.

On the 20th of August Napoleon was informed of the junction of
the Austrian troops with the Allies. Prince Schwartzenburg was

* Now, after the lapse of a lor-g interval of time, I can pardon though I
can not forget the culpable stupidity of Junot's family, who suffered the man
whose safety they should have watched over from pride, if not from affection,
to do what he did in the delirium of a brain fever.

BATTLE OF DRESDEN. 429

nppointed Generalissimo of all the forces of the coalition. Napoleon
was still himself, and his presence at the head of his army had not
lost its magic power. On the 20th of August he learned that Austria
had abandoned him; and on the 21st he resumed the offensive, and
defeated Blucher. Amidst the triumph of Goldberg* he was warned
of the march of the Allies on Dresden, f advised by Moreau. He con
signed the army of Silesia to Macdonald, and hastened with his guards
to succour Dresden,^ where he arrived at nine on the morning of the
2Glh. Some skirmishing was going on in the suburbs. Napoleon then
gave an example of that luminous intelligence which elevated him to
the highest rank among military commanders. His eagle eye scanned
Uie battle at a glance. He immediately saw the course on which
depended victory or defeat. Instead of waiting for the attack, he
ordered it. The Prussians and Russians, apparently bewildered by
the impetuosity of the movement, were repulsed to a great distance,
leaving forty thousand slain on the field of which they had been mas-
ters in the morning.

On the evening of that day Napoleon entered Dresden with the
2d and Gth corps. Throughout the whole of the battle he had himself
fought like a sub-lieutenant, sword in hand ; he was always the fore-
most, leading the way with equal indifference to death or glory.
During the battle he had only sixty-five thousand men to contend
with one hundred and eighty thousand. Next day he arose before
daylight, having had only two hours' sleep. He took his station in
the centre, with the King of Naples on his right and the Prince of
Moskow on his left. In this manner he attacked the enemy, whose
forces amounted to one hundred and eighty thousand. His plan was
not, and could not have been arranged beforehand, lie took his
lunette, and examined the field of battle. He discerned a greal void.
This was to be filled up by the corps of Klenau, but it could aol be
brought up until two o'clock, and it was now only six. Napoleon at
once conceived his plan of victory. The attack was conceptive, exe-
cuted, and proved victorious. The enemy losl seventeen thousand
prisoners, and fourteen thousand killed or wounded. Such were the
results of this brilliant and ably planned battle.$

• A strong position carried by our army on the 23d of A.ugust, 1818.

•f- The coalesced Forces bad debouched from Bohemia on Dresden by the l<'fl
bunk of the Elbe, whilst Napoleon repulsed Blucher in the direction of the Oder.

\ The fcroopi marched forty leagues in seventy-two hours without, receiving
ration-; and they fought for ten dayj without rest

§ It i» well known tlmt, Napoleon very often spoke of his lucky tar. At th«
conclusion of tliis important day !><• exclaimed, " I cannot be beaten !"

£30 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAM GLY.

He was now master of Dresden. Alexander was flying, and
fortune had resumed her smiles. But, in the meanwhile, Marshal
Macdonald had sustained a terrible reverse. Blueher was driving
him from Silesia. Marshal Davoust also was evacuating Schwerin
General Vandamme was made prisoner in the mountains of Bohemia,
with twelve thousand men. Marshal Oudinot was defeated by his old
comrade, Bernadotte. This event saved Berlin, which the Emperor
had so confidently counted on entering, that decrees had been pre-
pared, dated from that city. The disasters of the campaign were in a
great measure attributed, and perhaps justly, to General J .... , who
carried over to the enemy documents which he had surreptitiously
obtained from Marshal Ney. The intelligence thus conveyed saved
Berlin, as it made known Napoleon's intention of proceeding thither.

Not only in the north, and under his own eyes, did reverses crowd
upon each other, but Spain was torn from him, province by province,
village by village. Our troops bravely defended every inch of ground,
but resistance only served to prove our weakness. Marshal Suchet,
however, once more sounded the trumpet of victory. Admiral Ben-
tinck, who had brought fresh troops from Sicily, landed them on the
coast of Catalonia. A battle was fought at Villafranca de Panada,
eight leagues from Barcelona, and the English, who were defeated by
Generals Suchet and Decaen, lost an immense number of troops. But
6uch was our position, that we could not afford to lose a single man.
even though his loss might be compensated by slaying ten of the
enemy. The victory of Villafranca de Panada did not prevent the
surrender of St. Sebastian. The English took that fortress after a
protracted and inglorious siege, and they committed all the horrors
which we read of in the history of the middle ages, on the occasion of
the sacking of cities by the bands of condottieri or free troops.

Austria signed, at Toeplitz, a new treaty of alliance with Russia
and Prussia, and finally broke all her bonds with Napoleon by sign-
ing another treaty with England.* This treaty presented one pecu-
liarity worthy of remawc. It is well known that England would never
acknowledge the Emperor, nor apply to him that title. In the treaty
above alluded to, in order to avoid the designations of Bonaparte or
Napoleon, the term common enemy was employed by England and
adopted by Austria ! There was a good reason for this. Austria
was receiving subsidies. But the greatest misfortune of all those
which simultaneously assailed the Emperor, was the loss of the battle

* This treaty was signed by Lord Aberdeen, on the part of Great Britain, thu
5d of October.

BATTLE OF LEIPSIC. 431

of Katzbach by Marsha] Maedonald. We lost twenty thousand men.
This was an irreparable stroke. General Vandamme was made
prisoner in this fatal battle, in which sixty thousand of the enemy
were attacked by fifteen thousand French. About the same tire
Wellington crossed the Bidassoa and entered France.

Hostilities had recommenced on the 28th of September, by a
combined movement of three of the allied armies. The Emperor at
first beat Blucher, and obliged him to retire on the Saale. Napoleon
seemed now to flatter himself with the idea of renewing, on that line
of the Elbe, the glory of Frederick in his wars with Austria. It is
strange that in such a position he should have allowed empty visions
to engross his mind. His most important object was to secure tht,
fidelity of Bavaria and Wirtemberg ; and these two allies forsook
him. He learned at Duben the defection of both from the King of
Wirtemberg himself. The Emperor entered Leipsic on the 15th of
October. We now possessed only six hundred pieces of artillery,
and the allies had more than a thousand. All the veteran and most
efficient portion of our army were shut up in garrisons, and Napo-
leon, by some inexplicable infatuation, awaited three hundred and
fifty thousand men before Leipsic, with a feeble and dispirited force,
scarcely amounting to a hundred and forty thousand. The day after
his arrival at Leipsic, Napoleon gave the enemy battle before a
village called Wachau, and was victorious. He now proposed an
armistice to the Allied Sovereigns, and offered to evacuate Germany
as far as the Rhine. But it was too late. They refused the proposed
armistice.

Dismay pervaded the minds of all the Generals-in-chief who sur-
rounded the Emperor. A council was held by them, to which
Berthier and M. Darn were summoned. They all agreed that Napo-
leon should do any thing rather than come to an engagement. The
conference being ended. Counl ham and the Prince de Neufchatel
eolicited an audience of the, Emperor. Becthier represented the
immense disadvantage of fighting with such an inferiority of force
lie added, that the generals themselves were so disheartened that
they were unable to animate the sinking courage of their troops, and
he closed bis picture by representing the terrible chance of a defeat
opening to our enemies the mad to Paris.

Encouraged bj the silence of the Emperor, M. Dam spoke in his
turn. He pointed out the destitute condition of the army, withoul an
hospital in it- rear, a circumstance which operated as a powerful dis
couragement to the troops. ■• Your Majesty is aware," pursued the
Count, ■•that it is not my fault if we have not our accustomed re

132 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

sources. It is therefore necessary that we should come to a determi-
nation which, however mortifying it may be, is nevertheless urgent in
present circumstances. Napoleon looked for some moments at Count
Daru and the Prince de Neufchatel, and then said, " Have you any
thing more to tell me?" They bowed, and made no reply. "Well
then, hear my answer. As to you, Berthier, you ought to know very
well that your opinion on such a question has not the weight of a
straw against my determination. You might, therefore, have spared
yourself the trouble of speaking. You, Count Daru, should confine
yourself to your pen, and not interfere with military matters. You
are not qualified to judge in this affair. As to those who sent you,
let them obey. This is my answer." He then dismissed them.

Next day the battle of Leipsic was fought. What must have been
Napoleon's feelings when he beheld about one-quarter of his troops
pass over to the enemy, and point against their comrades the guns
which had dealt death among the enemy's ranks only an hour before.
In this manner the battle of Leipsic may be said to have been both
lost and gained by our army. The centre* and the right were vic-
torious. The left was abandoned by the Saxons, and delivered up to
the enemy. The battle of Leipsic, instead of being a defeat, may be
said to have been one of Napoleon's most brilliant military achieve-
ments. At all events, the day was as glorious to him as it was dis-
graceful to those who so basely betrayed him ; and, I may add, to
those who so basely bought over the traitors.

The retreat was ordered, and it commenced in the most perfect
order. Night was then drawing on. Before daylight the bridges
were crossed, and all was proceeding without confusion, when an
event, which has never yet been clearly explained, spread terror
through the ranks of the French army. I allude to the blowing up
of the bridge across the Elster. The sub-officer, by whom this act
was committed, either from want of judgment, or what is not impro-
bable, being bribed by the enemy, was the sole author of the misfor-
tune by which the wreck of our army was sacrificed. This officer,
v.'ho was directed to blow up the bridge across the Elster, stated that
he was deceived by a party of Cossacks who had advanced and crossed
the river; and the bridge was destroyed whilst ten thousand men

* The centre was commanded by the Emperor in person, and the right by
the King of Naples. For the space of seven hours they resisted upwards of
two hundred and seventy thousand men, witli a force of nine thousand five
hundred. The Prince of Sweden overpowered Marshal Ney on the left. The
Marshal, nevertheless, defended himself for a considerable time with forty
thousand men against one hundred and fifty thousand.

NAPOLEON AND THE KING OF SOXONY. 433

were still engaged in defending the barriers of the suburbs to afford
time to the reserve and the parks of artillery to pass, supposing the
enemy to be still in possession of the city. This event, which sepa-
rated the troops who had crossed the bridge from all the reserve, was
a fatal blow to the French army. The rear guard, having no means
of retreating, was at the mercy of the enemy : a frightful scene then
ensued. The troops hurried in disorder to the western outlets of the
plain, to reach the different passages of the arms of the river with
which the road to France is intersected. "Whole battalions were
made prisoners, and others were drowned. Marshal Macdonald
saved himself by swimming. The Polish hero, Prince Poniatowski,
perished here. He had been wounded in a charge made in the streets
of the city, at the head of the Polish lancers, and arriving, feeble from
loss of blood, on the banks of the Elster, still anxious to protect the
retreat of those who will always be proud to call him their brother
in arms, he plunged into the river and was drowned.

An admirable trait in the life of Napoleon was the visit he made
to the King of Saxony, in passing through Leipsic. The venerable
Sovereign was sinking under the weight of his grief for the treason
of his countrymen. Napoleon knew him too well to attribute to him
any share of the odium of that disgraceful defection. He said all he
could to console the lacerated heart of the Nestor of Germany. But
this visit, which the old King prided himself in having received,
brought upon him a cruel revenge. He was overwhelmed with every
species of insult, and was even punished as a traitor for no other
reason than that he had not been guilty of treason. The unfortunate
old monarch was made prisoner by the allied Sovereigns, as a pledge
of their unhoped for ovation, and condemned, like a criminal, to forfeit
one half of nis states. This sentence was executed. The Prince
Royal of Sweden was one of the mosl severe at that council of Kings,
who now began to strike indiscriminately those whom they had
acknowledged and addressed as "Brother."

The French army, the amount of which at Leipsic was between

one hundred and forty and one hundred and fifty thousand men,
scarcely numbered ninety thousand on its arrival at Erfurth. Fresh
BUpplies of provisions and ammunition helped to revive the drooping
spirits of the troops, and they continued their march towards France.
On the 2d of November the army crossed the Rhine. This at least
was a strong barrier. But, a'as! it had not been respected l>v our
ambition, could we then hope that vengeance would respect it I <>n
the. 3d of November the Emperor arrived at Mentz. This was the
(second time that he had entered his empire as a fugitive. lint in the
67

134 NAPOLEOX, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

previous year his situation was very different, he had still in his
[Hnvcr great resources, which might enable him to command immense
results. Now all was lost! I received from Mentz a letter which
assured me that he was profoundly dejected. Whilst at Mentz he
received intelligence of the surrender of Pampeluna. The fall of that
fortress secured the liberation of western Spain. The surrender was
caused by want of provisions. This event augmented Napoleon's
melancholy. He immediately left Mentz, and pursued his journey
to St. Cloud. There, news of a still more mortifying nature awaited
him. The lines of St. Juan de Luz, commanded by Marshal Sotilt,
had been forced by Wellington. The French were now entirely
driven from Spain.

At this moment Heaven visited us with another disaster ! The
typhus fever swept away in the space of six weeks upwards of forty
thousand men, wrho were crowded together in the hospitals, on the
banks of the Rhine. The malady prevailed not only on the banks
of the Rhine ; it likewise extended its deadly ravages along the Elbe.
Marshal Saint Cyr, who was shut up in Dresden, with thirty thousand
men, had six thousand sick.* He was obliged to capitulate. And
what was the consequence? The capitulation, concluded by Generals
Tolstoi and Klemanne, was not ratified by the Generalissimo, Prince
Schwartzenburg, who, abusing his title as commander-in-chief, did not
scruple to make his lieutenants perjure themselves. The treacherous
conduct of Prince Schwartzenburg soon found imitators. On the
1st of January, 1814, the Prince of Wirtemberg signed a capitulation
with Rapp, at Dantzick, and afterwards refused to execute it.

Holland was now evacuated. General Mollitor, with fourteen
thousand men, could no longer resist General Bulow, who had sixty
thousand. The house of Orange was recalled. Dantzick, Dresden,
all had capitulated, and all had been betrayed. There remained not
a single friend to France on the other side of the Rhine. Denmark,
herself, so long faithful to us, the friend of the Committee of Public
Safety, and the ally of Robespierre, Denmark had not courage to
adhere to Napoleon in his misfortune. The Emperor arrived at St.
Cloud, on the 9th of November, and lost not a moment in adopting
the necessary steps for the defence of France. He saw the necessity
of organizing a system of security in Paris. To extreme dangers he
determined to apply extreme remedies. On the 15th of December,

* Marshal Saint Cyr was taken with twenty-three thousand men, thirteen
generals of division, twenty generals of brigade, and seventeen hundred officer*
To these must be added, six thousand invalids in the hospitals of Dresden.

DEFECTION OF M0B4.T. 435

the senate bad placed three hundred thousand conscripts at Napo-
leon's disposal. On the 2d of December, the Emperor had notified
to Count Metternich his willingness to accept the conditions of
Frankfort. As a guarantee of his intentions he liberated Ferdinand
VII., and on the 11th of December signed the treaty of Valeneey.
On the 19th of December, the Legislative Body was opened by the
Emperor in person.

I have now arrived at a subject which is the more important, since
I never could have anticipated that France would have had cause to
fear the man of whom I am now about to speak. I allude to Murat.
For a long time previously his conduct had been such as to excite the
suspicion that he meditated defection. England, ever ready to seize
at any thing which might accelerate the fall of Napoleon, eagerly
strove to bring to maturity this new germ "f misfortune. Agents
were sent to Italy : the condition of its difFere.it provinces was easily
revealed, especially at the moment when the typhus fever had swept
away almost the whole of that army which Prince Eugene had sent
to Germany in the spring of the same year. A deep-laid plan was
then conceived ; and to render the blow more severe to Napoleon, it
was intended that the hand of Murat should inflict it.

Lord Castlereagh, like an able minister, as he was, perfectly under
stood the importance, not only of gaining over Murat, but of maintain-
ing him where he was. Murat had entered into some negotiations
with England, and the preliminaries of a treaty had been exchanged.
Of this treaty the following were the bases:

England was to acknowledge Joachim Murat as King of Naples,
and to pledge herself to obtain a similar acknowledgment from
Ferdinand, who was to abandon the Neapolitan States, and to retire.
to Sicily. The kingdom of Naples was to be augmented by the
whole of the Marshes of Ancona, Italy was to be declared inde-
pendent, and all the little sovereignties restored as they were before
the conquest. To aid the fufilment of this latter clause, England was
to advance twenty millions to Murat for the expenses of the war
wh'eh he would probably have, to enter upon, and to place an army
of twenty-five thousand men at his disposal. Admiral Bentinck,
commander-in-chief of the British forces in the Mediterranean, was
instructed to pursue this negotiation, in which England evinced a
deep interest. M. de la Vauguyon, who was then master of Rome,

where he had sun ded General Miollis in the command <>f the

Papal States, used all his efforts to bring Murat to a decision. But
his courier repeatedly returned without any satisfactory answer.

Nothing seemed to indicate any assurance thai King Joachim would

i36 NAPOLEON", HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

adopt the course which he (Vauguyon) regarded as the only one
fitting for him to follow. Mention was even made of a treaty with
Austria. M. von Mire, the Austrian minister at Naples, had acquired
an ascendancy over the Queen, which he turned to the disadvantage
of his own Sovereign : and Murat's weakness ruined him in this mcst
important juncture of his life. M. de la Vauguyon remained in
Rome, anxiously waiting till it should please Murat to come to a
decision. Receiving no intelligence he began to be uneasy, when one
day his valet-de-chambre announced that there were two strangers
waiting, who earnestly requested to see him immediately. "Have
you told them I am dressing ?" said the Duke. " Yes," replied the
valet, "but they say they will wait."

M. de la Vauguyon continued dressing, without hurrying himself
the least in the world ; when a second message, somewhat more
peremptory, was sent to him. He then stepped into his cabinet, and
desired his valet to usher in the two visitors. He beheld before him
two men of very common appearance: one of them, who was of short
stature, thus addressed him in an accent which betrayed him to be an
Englishman. " I have requested this interview, Duke, with some
degree of urgency, because 1 have but a very short time to remain
here ; but it is necessary that I should speak to you, since I cannot
obtain any intelligence from King Joachim. I am Admiral Bentinck."
The Duke de la Vauguyon made every apology, but in truth his
astonishment almost overwhelmed him. " General," continued Ad
miral Bentinck, " King Joachim does not behave well to my govern
ment. He knows what he may expect from England, and he ought
to act with more candour and energy. In the crisis in which Europe
at present stands, it is urgent that the affairs of Italy should be
promptly decided. We offer twenty-five millions in money, and
twenty-five thousand troops. Will your King accept these pro-
positions, and with them the friendship of the English government ?
He ought to be aware that the alliance of Great Britain will secure to
him the assistance of all the other Sovereigns of Europe. From
whom would he wish to derive his power? From England or from
Austria? He must promptly decide. The step I have now taken
proves my personal esteem for your character by thus trusting to
your honour; and it likewise shows the interest I feel for the success
of what has been so happily begun."

The Duke de la Vauguyon assured Admiral Bentinck, that he had
spared no endeavour to bring the King of Naples to the wished-for
decision. Bentinck was probably aware of this. It was his confidence
in the noble character of the Duke, and his personal desire to see tho

LACONIC LETTER. 437

business settled, which induced him co hazard a step which might
have led to his imprisonment. But the Admiral had placed confidence
in the honour of M. de la Vauguyon, and that shield was sacred. The
Admiral's boat was waiting fur him at Civita-Vecchia, and he departed,
recommending the Duke to spare no endeavours to secure the
interests of Italy. But what was the Duke's disappointment when,
after having despatched a letter to Joachim, more urgent than the
rest, there arrived in Rome one of the King's aides-de-camp, who
merely passed through the city, and was carrying to the Austrian
advance posts the ratification of the treaty which Murat had signed
with Austria ! Amidst this conflict of intrigues, Murat had written
to the Emperor Napoleon a letter, to which he received the following
laconic answer :

" Direct your course to Pavia, and there wait l/or orders. ~*

Murat, naturally irritated by this haughty treatment, determined
to occupy the Papal States. Hitherto M. de la Vauguyon had been
in Rome only as commander of the Neapolitan division : the King
now ordered him to take the title of Governor-General of the Roman
States. Murat set out for Naples to join the Viceroy with his army,
and to advance on the Po ; but it was with a tardiness which showed
how little his fidelity was to be trusted.

CHAPTER XLVI.

Blucher crosses the Rhine — Comparative force of the French army and that
of the Allies — Assemblage at the court of Napoleon — Committees <>f the
Senate and the Legislative Body— Napoleon's speech — The Russians take
possession <>f Dantach — Broken treaties — Our last, resource— Liberation of
the Pope and of Ferdinand VII. — Napoleon's farewell to the national guard
— The Duke de Vicenza's mission to the bead-quarters of ih" Allies —
Madame Recamier proceeds to Italy — Her arrival at Naples — lln- first visit
to the King and Queen — The Lazzaroni del Carmine I aroline'e captivating
manners — Madame Recamier's second visit, ni court Murat's despair-*
Caroline's energy — English ships in the Bay of Naple .

[ was now in the sixth month of my widowhood, and since Junoti

death I had lived in perfecl Becllls'lOtl. I did Hot cVi'll nceiipv (Ikiso

apartments of mj hotel which looked towards the street-, bul my

138 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

friends called upon me every day and brought me intelligence of
what was going on. I was regularly informed of our progressive
degrees of misfortune, and this information was truly appalling. Onf
day Lavalette called on me and said, in a tone of despair, that ah
was lost. I was astonished to see him so dejected, for he was gener
ally in good spirits. " Blucher," continued he, " has crossed the
Rhine, at the head of a formidable army — the army of Silesia ! It
appears that nothing has opposed him, and that he has effected the
passage from Manheim to Coblentz, whhout encountering the slightest
obstacle." — " Heavens !" exclaimed I, " is France no longer France]
Are we not the same people who, in 1792, forced the Prussians tc
recross the frontier ?" Blucher's army amounted to one hundred and
sixty thousand men ; yet it was only the second in force. Among
the hosts who were pouring down upon us with all the fury of ven-
geance, the grand army, commanded by Prince Schwartzenburg,
amounted to one hundred and ninety thousand men ; the army of the
north, commanded by Bernadotte, counted one hundred and thirty
thousand ; then there were one hundred thousand troops headed by
Generals Beningsen and Taeunzien ; then General Bellegarde had
eighty thousand men in Italy ; and the German, Polish, Dutch, and
Russian reserves, presented altogether about eight hundred thousand
troops. To this astonishing army may be added, two hundred thou-
sand Spaniards, Portuguese, and English, commanded by Wellington,
who were thirsting for vengeance on the barrier of the Pyrenees, aa
Blucher was on that of the Rhine.

To this menacing invasion what forces had we to oppose 1 No
more than three hundred and fifty thousand men ! — And how were
they disposed ? — One hundred thousand men were shut up in. the
fortresses of Hamburg and Dantzick, beyond the Oder, the Elbe, and
the Rhine. Prince Eugene had a feeble army in Italy to oppose to
Murat and Bellegarde. Soult and Suchet had scarcely eighty thou
sand men to encounter with the formidable army of Wellington.
The Emperor had under his direct command the corps of Marshals
Ney, Marmont, Macdonald, Mortier, Victor, and Augereau. But
what was the force of these army corps ? Marshal Ney's scarcely
amounted to fourteen thousand men, Marshal Augereau's did not
amount to three thousand, and the imperial guard was included in
these numbers. Thus, to resist all Europe in arms against us, we
had only an army in which each man counted four adversaries.
Patri )tism, it is true, might still do much ; but personal misfortunes
had unnerved us. We were no longer ourselves. Amidst these

ASSEMBLY AT COURT. 439

troubles and terrors, amidst the distant roar of Russian and Prussian
cannon, arrived the last day of the year 1813.*

On the 1st of January, 1814, Napoleon, for the last time, received
the homage of his court. There was a numerous attendance at the
Tuileries When ail the company had arrived, the Emperor entered
from the inner apartments. His manner was calm and grave, but on
his brow there sat a cloud which denoted an approaching storm.
Napoleon had appointed two committees to draw up a report on the
state of France. These committees were formed from members of
the Senate and the Legislative Body. The committee for the Senate
was composed of MM. de Talleyrand, Fontanel, Saint-Marsan, Barbe
Marbois, Beurnonville, and was presided by M. de Lacepede. The
committee for the Legislative Body consisted of MM. Raynouard,
Laine, Gallois, Flauguergues, and Maine de Biran. and the president
was the Duke de Massa. M. Raynouard was the orator of the

* About this time, Cardinal Maury was one evening at my house, taking a
review of the remarkable events which had occurred in Europe since the As-
sembly of tin- Notables. lie said, it was curious to observe how much ascen-
dancy subjects had gained over Sovereigns in that interval. He quoted the
remarkable changes connected with the deaths of the following Sovereigns,
and which the subjoined necrological table may bring to the recollection of
the reader : —

Charles III., King of Spain, died a natural death, December 18th, 1788.
Sultan Achmet IV., died of poison, April 7th, 1789. Joseph II., Emperor of
Germany, died a natural death, February 20th, 1790. Leopold II., Emperor
of Germany, died a natural death, March 1st, 1792. Gustavus III., King of
Sweden, assassinated March 29th, 1792. Louis XVI., King of France, beheaded
January -Jl-t, 1793. Stanislaus Augustus. King of Poland, deposed and died a
natural death, November 25th, 1795. Victor Ainadeus, King of Sardinia, died a
natural death, October 25th, 1796. Catherine II., Empress of Russia, died of
apoplexy, November 17th, 1790. Frederick, King of Prussia, died a natural
death, November Loth, 17'.i7. Pope Pius VL, dethroned, ami died in imprison*
ment, August 29th, 1 7 '.*'.*. Charles Emanuel, King of Sardinia, driven from his
States N vember 10th, 1798. Paid I., Emperor of Russia, assassinated, March
24th, L801. Ferdinand IV., King of Naples, driven from his states, February
12th, 1806. Sultan Selim, assassinated, -July 18th, 1808. Maria, Queen of
Portugal, driven from her states, November 29th, 1807. Charles VII., King
of Denmark, died a natural death, March 18th, 1808. Charles IV., King of
Spain, forced to abdicate, Mareb L7th, 1808. Ferdinand VII. of Spain, forced
to abdicate, May 6th,' 1808. Sultan Mustapha, assassinated Julj 28th, 1808.
Gustavus Adolphus, deposed and banishe I from Sweden, May 10th, 1809. Pope
Pius VII., dethroned, and imprisoned, July 5th, 1809.

In this long list I have not included the Doge of Venice, deposed in L796|
the Doge of Genoa, who was Likewise depose. I ; the Grand Master of Malta.
several Italian Princes, Buofa as the Duke de Modena, and several German
Princes, Electors, and Margraves.

440 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Legislative Body, and he spoke with a degree of candour and energy
which was calculated to produce a fatal impression on the rest of
France. The Emperor immediately felt this. The report of M
Raynouard likewise contained expressions disrespectful to the Em-
peror, the effect of which could not fail to be like a tocsin summoning
the people to revolt.

The Emperor said nothing the first day, on learning what had
passed in the Legislative Body ; but, on the first of January, when
all the authorities of the empire had assembled in the Salle da Troue,
he delivered a speech, the violence of which filled the offenders with
dismay : — "I have suppressed the printing of your address," said he;
'• it was of an incendiary nature. Eleven-twelfths of the Legislative
Body are, I know, composed of good citizens ; and I attach no blame
to them ; but the other twelfth is a factious party, and your commit-
tee was selected from that numb* r. That man named Laine is in
correspondence with the Prince Regent, through the medium of the
Advocate de Seze. I have proofs of this fact. The report of the
committee has hurt me exceedingly. I would rather have lost two
battles. What does it tend to % To strengthen the pretensions of
the enemy. If I were to be guided by it, I should concede more
than the enemy demands. Because he asks me for the province of
Champagne, would you have me surrender that of Brie? Would
you make remonstrances in the presence of the enemy ] Your object
was to humiliate me ! My life may be sacrificed, but never my
honour. I was not born in the rank of kings ; 1 do not depend on
the throne. — What is a throne 1 A few deal boards, covered, with
velvet. Four months hence, and I will publish the odious report of
your committee. The vengeance of the enemy is directed against
my person, more than against the French people. But, for that
reason, should I be justifiable in dismembering the state % Must I
sacrifice, my pride to obtain peace 1 I am proud, because I am cou-
rageous. I am proud, because I have done great things for France.
In a word, France has more need of me than I have need of her. In
three months we shall have peace, or I shall be dead. Go to your
homes : — it was not thus you should have rebuked me."

The Legislative Body, though mute that day, was nevertheless the
organ of the nation. The committee had been maladroit in speaking
as it did ; but Napoleon was no less so in his reply, which, though it
did not appear in the Moniteur as it was delivered, was nevertheless
known throughout Europe eight days afterwards. It was like issuing
a manifesto against France, whilst he ought to have held out a friendly
hand to her in the hour of distress, when both mutually required

BROKEN TREATIES. 4-il

support. The Emperor's reply, which was speedily circulated
throughout Paris, gave rise to a multitude of commentaries. It was
like the signal of discord. To the honour of Napoleon, it must be
mentioned, that though he has been held up as a tyrant, ever ready
to punish, and as a despot exercising the most arbitrary self-will, yet
this aflair was followed by no measures of severity. Among the
members of the committee there were men who might justly have
incurred punishment. M. Laine had been actively engaged at Bor-
deaux, at the head of a royalist faction, and was about to resume his
exertions. The Emperor knew this, and perhaps he did wrong not
to detain him in Paris. But I say again, the Emperor's disposition
was not naturally tyrannical. He no doubt frequently adopted the
most arbitrary measures, but in those instances it will be found that
he was usually influenced by reports which obscured the truth, and
biassed his judgment. When left to himself to make a decision, it
was almost invariably noble and generous.

On the 1st of January, the brave General Rapp was obliged to
allow the Russians to enter Dantzick, after a most heroic resistance.
The besieged were allowed to return to France with the honours of
war, taking with them their arms and baggage. None of these con-
ditions were observed ; all were violated, and the garrison was sent
to Siberia ! It is curious to note the three flagrant violations of
treaties which took place during the time that Europe waged war
against us. The first instance occurred in Egypt, at the treaty of
El-Arisch, by Admiral Keith, and the brave Kleber. The second
was the violation of the treaty by the Prince of Wirtemberg, at
Dresden. The third, and perhaps the most dishonourable, if there
can be any difference in a breach of faith, was the violation of the
convention of Dantzick. It is honourable to the character of tho
French, as a nation, that during the twenty-two years in which we
maintained war against the whole of Europe, our enemies cannot
accuse us of a similar breach of faith. Our Generals maintained
their pride, even amidst perils and reverses; for true honour will
never appeal to necessity as an apology for a dereliction from duty.

Every daj we learned the progress of the Allies from private
letters, for the Moniteur still drew a veil over the truth. The line of
hostile lances and bayonets was hourly more and more closely drawn,

;uid we beheld the danger without seeing how it could be averted.
Napoleon organized one hundred and twenty thousand of the national
guards to cover Lyons and Paris, and to form a reserve. This was
our last resource! The enemy had been for some time in possession
of Langi ■ ■. I>:j"i. flhalons, Nanny and Vaueouleurs, and threatened

±42 NAPOLEON", HIS COURT AND FAMlLI".

immediately to march on Paris. Blueher had established his forces
at Saint Dizier and Joinvillc. On learning that the Austrians were
in possession of Bar-sur-Aube, the Emperor determined to quit Paris.
He had already liberated the King of Spain and the Pope; Ferdinand
VII. had left Valencay, and Pius VII. had departed from Fontaine-
bleau. By this measure Napoleon hoped to secure the friendship ( f
a man who had been guilty of deposing his own father. Ferdinand,
however, remained his enemy.

Nothing is more curious than to observe the sudden coldness of
foel'mg which some persons betrayed towards Napoleon the moment
nis happy star began to grow dim. In one day I heard ten different
versions of the manner in which he took leave of the national guard,
and confided his wife and child to their protection. Many, who had
witnessed the scene, returned from it with tears in their eyes; whilst
others regarded as affectation the burst of sensibility which he had
evinced when he presented his son to the national guard. If I had
seen him I could have guessed whether his feelings were genuine or
not, for I knew him too well to be deceived. But from all that I
heard, I should be inclined to say that he was really animated by the
sentiments he manifested. lie was a father, and he doted on his
child. His heart must have been moved when he gazed on the lovely
boy, who had been destined at his birth to wear twenty crowns, but
who had been dispossessed of his inheritance by those who were his
natural protectors. Whatever may now be said of Napoleon's fare-
well to the national guard, there can be no doubt that the enthusiasm
of the Parisians was that day at its height. No person who was then
in the capital can forget the prolonged shouts of Vive VEmpereur ! — ■
Vive le Roi de Rome! — The Place du Carrousel resounded with the
oaths of fidelity taken by the officers of the national guard ; and yet,
before a few weeks elapsed, these oaths, so solemnly pledged, were
betrayed and forgotten.

Napoleon was anxious to make one more attempt to bring the
allied Sovereigns to something like reasonable conditions: and he
accordingly sent the Duke de Vicenza to the head-quarters of the
allied army. The Duke was a favourite of the Emperor Alexander,
and Napoleon was perfectly aware of the importance of regaining the
friendship of the sovereign of Russia. Alas ! why did he ever lose
it? Alexander loved him as a brother. Be this as it may, the Duke
de Vicenza was on such a footing with the Emperor Alexander, as
enabled him to make propositions of peace and friendship, with some
probability of success. Napoleon, with the view of giving more dig
nity ti the Duke, appointed him his Minister for Foreign Affairs.

MADAME RECAMIER AT NAPLES. 443

Ft now became necessary that the Emperor should have near him
a minister to correspond with the plenipotentiary. The Duke de
Vicenza could scarcely expect that the Emperor could himself main-
tain the diplomatic correspondence amidst the rapid operations of the
prodigious campaign. The Duke de Bassano was nominated to this
duty.

About the time when Murat leagued with the enemies of France,
a curious scene took place in the interior of the palace of Naples. Of
this scene I here present to the reader an accurate description, derived
from one of the persons who were actors in it, and there were but
three. I allude to Madame Recamier, who, during her exile, having
no hope of seeing Madame de Stael at Coppet, determined to proceed
to Italy — to visit Naples, its beautiful bay; to see Vesuvius. Such
magic scenery is balm to a wounded spirit ! On her arrival at
Naples, Madame Recamier fixed her abode at the Hotel de I 'Europe,
on the Quay di Chiata, and immediately formed her little establish-
ment. On the morning after her arrival, she was visited by the
Neapolitan Minister for Foreign Affairs, who waited upon her, by
order of the King and Queen, to invite her to the palace. Madame
Recamier was more annoyed than flattered by this mark of royal
graciousness. She had known Murat, but he had never been one of
her intimate friends. Indeed, Murat's elevation to royalty had been
so sudden, that he had been speedily removed from the sphere of all
his early connections. He had, at one period of his life, admired
Madame Recamier, and had even made love to her, as he did to
every attractive woman of his acquaintance; but she gave him to
understand that his attentions were not acceptable, and he took the
hint with a good grace. It was now very long since Madame Recamier
had seen him. As to the Queen, she had scarcely any personal ac-
quaintance with her, and she could not be expected to entertain any
very strong predilection for the sister of the man who had persecuted
her and all her friends. It was therefore with feelings rather painful
than gratifying, that she repaired to the palace. She accepted the
invitation because she would not treat with incivility a mark of
uourtesy shown to her in a foreign land, while she was stamped with
the seal of exile.

The Queen of Naples was a woman of considerable shrewdness,
energy of character, and talent. I use this latter term in reference to
ncr political life only. That excepted, she was us ignorant as a
woman can well be, or, I ought rather to Bay, as women were a hun-
dred years ago. Though wanting in the knowledge which is usually
acquired by the most ordinary education, yet, if a grave political

i-i-i NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

question came under discussion, she could speak like a well-informed
statesman.

Queen Caroline had a peculiarity of manner and temper which
was very far from agreeable. I allude to her habit of ridiculing and
jeering her acquaintance, Eor my own part, I can truly say, that J
was always nervous for a week after we had any of our rehearsals of
plays or quadrilles. This disposition, which she indulged to a most
offensive extent, created for her more enemies than her beauty. Ons
may accommodate oneself to a superior rivalry, especially if there be
nothing very singularly superior in it; but to be continually reminded
of that superiority is insufferable, particularly when one has not alto
gether a contemptible opinion of oneself.

Caroline received Madame Recamier with transport. Madame
Recamier was touched by the kind reception she experienced, and
expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Queen of Naples. " Ah !"
said Caroline, " I shall perhaps soon have to solicit a proof of your
friendship, I hope you will not withhold it. I shall be much in need
of it." This was on the 16th of January. Every thing that was said
in the palace was a subject of conversation in Naples, and all the
gossip in the city was faithfully reported in the palace. "He must
abandon the Emperor," exclaimed the populace. '"We will no longer
be dragged from our homes to fight at the other end of the world.
We must have peace."

These shouts for peace were, by a curious anomaly, raised by
men armed with stilettoes, which they brandished with threatening
attitudes in front of the palace of Joachim, the popular king — the king
of feathers, who was a great favourite with the Lazzaroni del Car-
mine. His smiling, good-humoured countenance, his fantastic costume,
in short, all his peculiarities recommended him strongly to that class
of his subjects above mentioned. Besides, Murat was a man of
amiable disposition ; he was a good husband, and a good father. But
after all, the love of his subjects was ephemeral, and it was chilled by
the fear of war and the English invasion. Murmurs increased even-
day, and Murat could not go out of his palace without encounter-
ing dissatisfied groups. Such was the state of things when Madame
Recamier arrived at Naples.

In compliance with the invitation she had received, she proceeded
to the palace about noon. She found the Queen as amiable and as
gracious as before. Nobody better understood the art of captivating
those whom she wished to gain over to her interests than the Queen
^f Naples. She possessed this great charm in common with het
brotner Napoleon. Her apartments in the palace at Naples were

MADAME RECAMIER AT THE PALACE. 445

fitted up with luxurious taste. Her bedchamber, which commanded
a view of the bay, was hung with white satin, the rich soft folds of
which harmonized admirably with the brilliant complexion of the
mistress of the apartment. She frequently received visitors whilst in
bed, as she had been in the habit of doing in Paris. Her bed-curtains
were of richly worked tulle, lined with pink satin. On receiving
Madame Recamier, Caroline expressed her regret at seeing her in
exile ; but assured her, that the hardships of that exik would be con-
siderably mitigated by her residence, in Naples. Mural, too, who was
present at the interview, gave her every assurance of the interest he
felt in her behalf. How could he do less! Who would not have
wished to spare a pang of grief to the beautiful exile ? When
Madame Recamier took her leave, the King and Queen invited her
to visit them again on the following day. She could easily perceive
that very uneasy feelings prevailed in the interior of the palace.
Public report, indeed, had Madame Recamier lent ear to it, would
have informed her, that happiness was not an inmate of the royal
abode, splendid as it was.

On the following day, as she proceeded to the palace, every thing
presented a strange aspect, from the Quay di Chiata to the gallery of
the throne. Being a stranger in the country, and unacquainted with
the turbulent habits of the people, she was half inclined to return
home, when she beheld the sinister agitation which prevailed. She
passed through several apartments of the palace without seeing a
chamberlain. At length she reached the door of the Queen's chamber;
she tapped gently, and Caroline herself, who anxiously expected her,
opened the door. As soon as she entered, she was struck with the
extraordinary picture that presented itself. The King and Queen
were alone. Murat was pale, his hair disordered, his eye rolling
wildly, and to all appearance he was under the influence of some
overpowering excitement of mind. The Queen, on her part, was very
pale, and much agitated, but, her superior fortitude was evident in
every glance which she darted on her husband — that man to whom
Napoleon justly said, Ci You an- brave only on the field of battle — in
any other situation you have, not the courage of a woman or a monk."

" In the name of Heaven ! for the sake of your own glory! remain
here, I implore you, and do not show yourself in this state !" exclaimed
Caroline to her husband, on the entrance of Madame Recamier;
'•would you wish to convince the Neapolitans that they have a King
who is not worthy of the. name? Stay where you are, I conjure you."
These words I conjure yon were uttered in the authoritative tone of /
desire yon. "Pray stay with him for a few moments," said tlm

ittG NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Queen to Madame Recamier; " I am going to give a few orders, and
ftill return immediately."

No sooner had Caroline left the room, than Murat flew to Madame
Recamier, and taking her by the two hands, said, with the deepest
emotion, "Tell me, tell mc the truth — it is certain that you must
think 1 have behaved very basely. Is it not so ?" — " Be composed,"
said Madame Recamier; "why this agitation ? What has happened'?"
— k" Alas !" continued the unfortunate Murat, sinking into a chair,
" does not all France vent anathemas on my head ! Am I not called
Murat the traitor ! Murat the renegade !" He hid his face in his
hands and burst into tears.

On seeing this violent agitation, Madame Recamier immediately
suspected that he had not determined to sign the treaty with Austria
and England ; a treaty which was calculated to alienate him and his
children from France ; for it would require more than the interval of
a generation to wipe away such a stain. With her accustomed good
sense, she immediately perceived that a little calm advice, offered by
a friend, who, like herself, had no personal interest in the question at
issue, might give a fixed direction to his wavering sentiments. " Do
you ask me for my opinion?" said she, with a serious air. "Ah! give
it me," he exclaimed eagerly, "draw me from the gulf that yawns before
me. On all sides I see nothing but misfortune and disaster." — " Hear
me, then," resumed Madame Recamier ; " you know that I do not
like the Emperor ! I am myself an exile, and my friends are pro-
scribed. All who are dear to me have been plunged into misery by
Napoleon. But still, in spite of those considerations, I will give you
the same advice which I would give to my own brother in the like cir-
cumstances : — you ought not to forsake the Emperor. — Xo, I say again,
you ought not to forsake him !" As she uttered these words, Murat
became more and more pale. He looked at her for some moments
without making any reply. Then, rising with impetuosity, he took
her hand, and led her to the balcony before the window, and pointing
to the bay of Naples, already filled with English ships, he exclaimed,
in a voice half stifled with emotion : " Behold ! look yonder ! and
now tell me whether this is the moment when France should address
to me the title of traitor /"

Madame Recamier was astounded at what she heard ; forjudging
from all that she had had an opportunity of observing within the past
hour, she confidently believed that Murat had not yet come to any
decision ; and yet the English ships hoisted their flags in the very port
of his capital. She said nothing. What, indeed, could she have said,
6he who never spoke but in sincerity and candour. Murat seemed

SCENE AT THE PALACE. 447

perfectly bewildered with despair and grief, when the Queen suddenly
entered. She also was deadly pale. On perceiving the King in the
pitiable state in which he was she trembled, and, running up to him,
exclaimed, " In the name jf Heaven, Murat, be silent, or at least speak
lower ! In the adjoining room there are a hundred ears listening to
you ! Be silent ! Have you lost all self-command V

Finding she could produce no effect upon him, she ran to a table
on which was some water, sugar, and orange-flower water. She her-
self mixed a portion, and, pouring into it some drops of ether, she
brought it to him : " Drink this and compose yourself," said she.
"The crisis has now arrived. Murat, recollect what you are. You
are King of Naples. Do not lose sight of the duty you owe to your
subjects and to your family. Hear me ! In six weeks, perhaps, the
Emperor may himself be in Italy." At this sharp apostrophe Murat
again trembled. " What ails you V resumed Caroline. " What are
you afraid of? Reflect on your situation. View it as it really is.
The worst you have to fear is to find yourself face to face with the
Emperor. Well then ! Suppose he were now only fifty leagues from
Naples, and that you are going to mount your horse to meet him."
Murat hid his face in his hands. " How ! You dare not face him ?"
said Caroline, with a gesture of contempt. "Then I will do so for
you ! Yes, I will mount my horse. I will place myself at the head
of the army, and I will go to the Emperor and ask him by what right
he takes from me that which he gave as a reward for the blood you
have shed for his glory !" Madame Recamier gazed at her with pain-
ful astonishment, and could not help exclaiming, "Oh, Madame!"
The Queen understood the reproach conveyed in these words: she
paced two or three times up and down the apartment : and then, as if
in reply to Madame Recamier, she said, " Doubtless I am his sister!
I know it but too well. Yet why did he give me a crown ? If I am
his sister, I am likewise Queen of Naples !" Then, as if overcome
by the weight of so many distressing sensations, she threw herself on
a sofa and was silent. Presently a sort of murmur was heard on the
quay. Caroline rose suddenly, ran to Murat, and, looking at him
steadfastly, said, " Now you may show yourself. Go, my dear Joa-
chim:— and recollect who you are!" Murat rose, passed his hand
through his hair, and stepped lip to a mirror to adjust the deranged
appearance of his cravat, He then embraced the Queen, ami, taking
Madame Recamier's hand, he said to her, with a tone of sincere kind'

ness, " You will return and dine, with us. We shall lie alone ; do not

refuse."

Madame I [<-c;\ mier promised logo, and Murat then took leave, of

448 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

her and the Queen. When he had passed the folds of the satin cur
tains, which wore drawn over the door, the Queen rushed into the arms
of Madame Recamier, and shed a torrent of tears. "You see," said
she. " I am obliged to have courage for him as well as myself! At a
time, too, when my own fortitude is scarcely borne up even by my
affection for my children ; — when I am hourly distracted by thinking
of my brother, who believes me to be guilty of treason to him. Oh!
pity me ! I have need of pity, and I deserve it. If you could search
my heart, you would see what torture I am doomed to bear !"

On returning to her hotel, Madame Recamier was absorbed in
agitating reflections. Suddenly her attention was roused by a noise in
the street. She ran to the window, and saw the whole population of
the Carmine* and Santa-Lucia assembled round Murat, who was parad
ing the city on horseback. The intelligence of the treaty of alliance,
confirmed by the presence of the English ships in the port, had excited
the populace, and their enthusiasm for Murat and the Queen was at its
height. The King was still pale, but he appeared in good spirits ; as he
passed the balcony of Madame Recamier he looked up and gracefully
saluted her.

* 11 Carmine is that part of Naples inhabited by fishermen and lazzaroai.
Santa-Lucia is the district occupied by merchants and bankers. Chiaia is the
fashionable part of the city.

ADVANCE OF THE ALLIED ARMIES. 449

CHAPTER XLVII.

Solitude of the Tuileries — Advance of the allied armies — Napoleon in Cham-
pagne— Intrigues of M. de Talleyrand — His interview with the Emperor—
Tlie coup de pohig — The battle of Brienne — College recollections — The Con-
gress of Chatillon — The Emperor Alexander and the Duke de Vicenza—
Battles of Champaubert and Montmirail — Napoleon's refusal to sign the
powers for the Duke de Vicenza — The campaign of France — Count d'Artoia
at Vesoul — M. Wildermetz — His message to the Emperor Alexander — Horrors
committed by the Cossacks — Button's country house — Suppression of news
in the journals — First performance of "The Oliflamme" — The Austriana
before Grenoble — Paris in the winter of 1814 — False reports of the enemy's
progress — Saint Dizier — Review on the Place du Carrousel — Cardinal Maury
predicts the return of the Bourbons — -The Duke d'Angouleme enters Bor-
deaux— The treaty of Chaumont — Ferdinand VII. re-enters Spain — Talley-
rand's influence in the restoration of the Bourbons — The Empress and the
King of Rome leave Paris — The attack on Paris — Rovigo and Tallevraad —
Capitulation of Paris.

'We are now on the eve of the most heartrending period of the bril-
liant career of the Emperor. No more balls at the Imperial palace
--the silence and the solitude of whose walls were now disturbed only
by the voice of that beautiful child, which was also to Ik; stifled in exile.
The fatal cordon of hostile forces by which we were surrounded
approached us more and more. One day we learned that the Wir-
temberg troops had entered Epinal ; another time, that the Prussians
were masters of Nancy-, of < "halons-sur-Saone, and that the Austrians
were iu Chambcry. The army of Silesia, commanded by Blucher,
established itself in the vicinity of Paris, for so we may term Si.
Dizier and Joinville. The enemy was at length on the Mame. Then
the Emperor quitted Paris! He had long hesitated before he adopted
this course, either because he was waiting to see the effect of the nego-
tiations opened at Frankfort, or because he hoped that there would be.
a general rising in France al the sight of the foreign invaders. Doubt-
less this was naturally to be expected from the bravery and energy of
the French people. I'm he himself hail worn out all tneir springsof
action— they had lost their. elasticity. The most determined and the
most active required repose; a general de-ire for it prevailed from
the cottage of the soldier to the palace of the Marshal. Napoleon ne\e»
68

i50 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

could be lirouglit to understand the law of necessity. He en
deavoured to make every thing yield to him, whilst he himself would
never bend to circumstances. At this time Parisian society presented
an extraordinary aspect. Grief and alarm now prevailed in those
houses which had hut recently been the. scenes of uninterrupted fes-
tivity. Tlie numerous families arrayed in mourning cast a gloom
over the streets and public promenades, and it was particularly mel-
ancholy to observe the many young females who wore widow's weeds.
This last circumstance struck the Emperor of Russia, as he himself
informed me. Whilst the Emperor was in Champagne, exhibiting a
last proof of that talent and energy which had raised him to one of
the first thrones in the world, M. de Talleyrand remained in Paris,
and his intrigues gave the finishing stroke to Napoleon's misfortunes.
It is said, that the Emperor, on the eve of his departure to join the
army, summoned M. de Talleyrand to the Tuileries, and there spoke
to him in a tone that might be called more than firm, of the affairs of
Spain. It would appear that the Emperor was not at that time very
well acquainted with the style of conversation which wras maintained
in the coterie of M. de Talleyrand, when the affairs of Spain came
under discussion. " Well, Monsieur de Talleyrand," said the Em-
peror, walking straight up to him, " I think it is somewhat strange that
you should allege I made you the gaoler of Ferdinand, when you
yourself made the proposition to me !" Talleyrand assumed one of
nis inflexible looks ; half closing his little eyes, and screwing up his
lips, he stood with one hand resting upon the back of a chair, and the
other in his waistcoat-pocket. Nothing increases anger so much as
coolness. The Emperor was violently irritated at Talleyrand's im-
movability of countenance and coolness of manner, and he exclaimed
in a voice of thunder, and stamping his foot, " Why do you not
answer me ?" The same silence was maintained. Napoleon's eyes
flashed fire. Talleyrand became alarmed, not without reason, and then
he stammered out the following words, which were certainly any thing
but satisfactory : — "I am at a loss to understand what your Majesty
means." Napoleon attempted to speak, but rage choked his utterance.
He advanced first one step, then a second, then a third, until at length
lie. came close up to the Prince of Benevento. He then raised his
hand to the height of the Prince's chin, and continuing to advance, he
forced Talleyrand to recede, which was no easy matter, owing to the
defect in one of his feet. However, it was more, advisable to recede
than advance, for the Emperor's little hand was still held up, and was
clenched in the form necessary for giving what is vulgarly called a
roup de poing. However it was not given. The Emperor merely

XAJOLEOX AND TALLEYRAND. 451

drove the Prince of Benevento, half walking, half hobbling, along the
whole length of the large cabinet of the Pavilion de Flore. At length
the Prince reached the wall of the apartment, and Napoleon repeated,
— " So you presume to say that you did not advise the captivity of the
Princes V Here the scene ended. It had already been too long, and
at the same time not long enough. Since the Emperor had gone so
far he ought to have gone a little farther, and sent the Prince of Bene-
vento to Vincennes, consigning him to the hands of General Dumesnil,
with the recommendation to treat him with all possible respect, but
to keep him rigidly au secret. Machiavel truly says, One should never ■
make an enemy by halves.

On the evening of the day on which this scene was acted, the
Prince of Benevento had company. The chamberlain on duty at the
Tuileries had overheard every thing, and had repeated all ie knew ;
for the truth is, though I am sorry to say it, the servants of honour,
who dance attendance upon royalty, differ but little from servants of
any other kind. As I was myself lady of honour to a Princess, I
may attack this class of people without the fear of being thought
Unjust or prejudiced; and I have often thought, when we were
assembled in the salon de service, gossiping about what did not
concern us, that we very much resembled those who were amusing
themselves in a similar way in the story below us. However this
may be, it is nevertheless certain, that the chamberlain on duty at
the Tuileries, whose name I need not mention, reported that the
Prince de Benevento had received a coup de po'tng from the Emperor.
M. de Talleyrand, as I have already observed, had a party that same
evening, and one of the visitors, who was on familiar terms with the
Prince, stepped up to him, saying, "Ah, Monseigneur! what have
I heard]" — "What?" inquired the Prince, with one of his cool,
impenetrable looks. — "I have been informed that the Emperor
treated you ! . . . ." — "Oh!" interrupted the Prince, "that is a thing
thai happens every day, every day. . . ." The Prince had heard no
mention of the coup de poingi, of which he flattered himself nobody
knew; and when he said every <2ay, he merely meanl thai the Emperor
was nut <>f temper and unreasonable every day. M. de Talleyrand's
friend, however, who had no very refined notions of etiquette, as may
be readily imagined from his a Idress to the Prince, took ii into his
head that Talleyrand was in the daily habit of receiving a blow with
the fist, or at least a box on the car. from the Emperor. This mistake
gave rise to a fund of tncrrimenl when it. tsame to be reported that
the Prince de Benevento daily submitted to the Emperor's correction
with that indifference which might be inferred from the negligent

i52 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

shrug of the shoulders that accompanied the words, "Every day ! — ■
Mon Dieu ! — Every day."

I am not competent to judge of the merits of the military move-
ments made by the Emperor in Champagne, but I have heard i!
alleged that his genius never was so brilliantly displayed as in that
campaign. He drove the Prussians from St. Dizier; and this triumph
vas almost immediately followed by the battle of Brienne. What
painful feelings must have arisen in his mind, while he was fighting
to preserve his crown, under the walls of the old college where, in
his boyhood, he had passed so many happy hours. At Brienne he
nad also fought battles, but they were followed by no pangs of grief
or remorse. His soldiers were his college companions, his ammu-
nition snowballs, and the ransom of the prisoners some fruit, a book,
or a print. I have frequently heard the Emperor describe his amuse-
ments at Brienne. I recollect in particular, one day, when Madame
de Brienne paid a visit to Madame Mere, accompanied by her niece,
Madame de Lomenie. The Emperor, who was present, conversed
with her for a considerable time with almost filial affection. The
respect he showed to Madame de Brienne was unmixed with any
trace of affectation ; his behaviour to her was perfectly easy and
natural. I am certain that Napoleon must have suffered cruelly on
the day of the battle of Brienne. I am sure of it, from the com-
placency with which I have so often heard him dwell on the happiness
he enjoyed at college. It was there that he first became acquainted
with Bourrienne.

The battle of Brienne was followed by several others. In the
midst of these conflicts, when cannons were roaring and blood flowing
in every part of France, from the banks of the Rhine to those of the
Mincio, a congress was opened, as if in derision of the impotence
of human will. This congress held its sittings at Chatillon, in the
heart of one of our provinces. Its members were Count Stadion, for
Austria; Baron Humboldt, for Prussia; Count Razumowsky, foi
Russia ; whilst Lord Aberdeen, Lord Cathcart, and Lord Castlereagh,
the English Minister for Foreign Affairs, represented the interests
of Great Britain. This latter circumstance might have enabled
Napoleon to see that his fate was decreed. England being repre-
sented by three members at the congress, sufficiently indicated
the degree of influence she was about to claim over the destiny of
Napoleon ; whilst, at the same time, the other powers showed theii
submission to England by each sending only one plenipotentiary.
As to France, she sent only one individual to the Congress at

BATTLE OF CHAMPAl BERT. 453

Chatillon, and that was General Caulaincourt, the Duke de Vicenza.*
lie was then, nobody knows for why, Minister for Foreign Affairs.
I know very well the private motive which induced the Emperor to
send him to Chatillon ; but one thing which I cannot comprehend is,
how Napoleon should imagine that that reason could have any weight
in the scale of general interests. The reason to which I allude is,
the cordial friendship with which the Emperor Alexander honoured
the Duke de Vicenza. It was one of those friendships, almost
fraternal, which are so rare in the world, and, above all, rare among
Sovereigns. But in the circumstances in which Alexander stood,
being called to the head of the gigantic coalition of Europe, he ap-
peared in the face of the whole world as the opponent of Napoleon ;
and therefore the latter was wrong in flattering himself that any
private interest could have weight with him, in opposition to the
general interests. Sovereigns have two natures. Napoleon well
knew this.

Whilst the Congress was sitting, the allied armies were advancing
on Paris, and enclosed us within their ranks. The Emperor fought
and gained several battles, and seemed to surpass himself in energy
and talent. But what availed this 1 France was overrun with enemies,
who were marching in all directions upon the capital.

The victory of Champaubert revived a faint ray of hope. Alsu-
view, the Russian General, was taken, with a corps of six thousand
men and forty-five officers. This was succeeded by the battle of
Montmirail. General Sacken, with a part of the army of Silesia.
commanded by Blucher, was attacked and beaten by the Emperor.
Twenty-five pieces of artillery, three thousand killed, two thousand
wounded, and a thousand prisoners, were the result of this battle,
which, as well as the engagement of the preceding day, proved the
inferiority of Blucher. ami. indeed, of all who were opposed to the
Emperor.

Two days before the battles of Montmirail and Champaubert, the
Duke de Bassano, who had Keen daily urging the Emperor (<> send
more extensive instructions to the Duke de Vicenza, had at length
prevailed on Napoleon to draw up the powers and to sign them, in
order that they might be forwarded to Chitillon. On the eve of the
battle of Champaubert, the Duke said to the Emperor, " Sire, the

* The Emperor, who highly and justly esteemed the Duke de Bassano, had
withdrawn liiin from tin; post of Minister for Foreign Affairs, merely to -.ili t'v
petty passions, which lie had not time to contend with. It- gave the Duke ■!«
Banauofull powers to correspond with Chatillon. But to have dune any gcod,
it would have been re |ni ite for liira (■• have been on the spot.

t54 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

powers are ready." — "I will sign them to-morrow," replied Napoleon
M if I should be killed, they will not be wanted ; if I should conquer
we shall then be able to treat with better advantage." Next day the
Duke ile Bassano, who, it is well known, was with the Emperor in
all his battles, went to him after the victory, and presented to him
the powers which he had promised to sign. The Emperor made the
same reply as that which he had given on the preceding day. Thu
Duke de Bassano withdrew much disappointed. On the evening of
the battle of Montmirail he again urged the Emperor to sign the
powers. But some strange visions had entered the Emperor's brain.
lie smiled, and, looking at the maps of France and Europe which
lay before him : — " 1 now stand in such a situation that I need not
yield an inch of ground," said he to the Duke, "and I will sign
nothing."

The campaign of France is a sublime effort of N;.poleon's genius,
and places him in the rank of the most celebrated captains, if not
at their head. But what result did he anticipate? What conclusion
could be expected from partial victories like those of Montmirail
and Champaubert, whilst innumerable legions covered our plains on
the north and south. The Congress of Chatillon, it is true, held out
some hope, but, as I have before observed, the presence of three
envoys from England might have opened the eyes of the Emperor,
even though he had been blinded by the blaze of his ancient glory.
The following curious anecdote, the correctness of which I can vouch
for, 1 had from the party concerned :

\\ hen the Count d'Artois arrived at Vesoul, he was accompanied
by several persons attached to the Bourbon cause, while a crowd
of persons, Mho came to meet him, were awaiting his arrival to pay
homage to him such as never was rendered to Napoleon. The Prince
had met with an old Swiss officer, named Wildermetz. This person
was despatched to the Russian head-quarters to request that the
Emperor Alexander would authorize the Count d'Artois, and I believe
the Due de Berry, to proceed to the head-quarters of the Allied
Sovereigns, and enter themselves as volunteers during the campaign
foi reconquering France. M. de Wildermetz was charged with a
similar message to Count Stadion for the Emperor of Austria. lie
likewise had a letter accrediting him to Prince Metternich. On his
arrival at the Russian head-quarters, he saw the Emperor Alexander,
wTho addressed him thus : " Monsieur Wildermetz, you will tell the
Count d'Artois that I am extremely sorry to be obliged to refuse his
request ; but we are just now engaged in conferences of a serious and
important nature. They may terminate in maintaining the Emperor

CAMPAIGN OF FRANCE. 455

Napoleon on the throne of France. Under these circumstances, their
Royal Highnesses would be placed here in an awkward position ;
and, in every respect, it is better that they should remain some time
longer on the frontier." M. de Wildermetz returned to Franche-
Comte, to report this answer, but the Princes had left the place
before he arrived. Napoleon hoped to draw the whole of the hostile
army after him, when he fell, back upon Saint Dizier. This was a
noble resolution, and one the generosity of which the Parisians ought
to have been sensible. But he was pursued by only a corps of ten
thousand men, and the entire mass of the Allied force fell upon Paris,
with all the fury of a tempest. The Emperor of Russia waited only
to direct the attack on La Fere-Champenoise, and then proceed to
Paris, as if he had been making a journey from Moscow to St.
Petersburgh. The enemy was at the gates of Paris, and yet no
measures had been taken for the defence of the capital. The Russians
had the courage to burn their palaces, why did we not fire our
faubourgs for their reception? We had not even arms wherewith to
equip our men. Ammunition, too, was wanting. Was this from
want of foresight, or was it the result of treason 1 Alas! it is too
true, that we had among us at that period many who were unworthy
the name of Frenchmen.

The Cossacks committed atrocious horrors in the department of
the A in. They then marched upon Sens. Dijon was laid under a
contribution of two millions. Semur was subjected to their insults,
not only in the persons of its inhabitants, but in those of its municipal
body ; and Montbard ! which now contained the grave of one who
would have valiantly defended it; — Montbard, which was likewise
the cradle of a man* whose fame belonged to all Europe, was de-
livered up to the pillage of the allied troops. Montbard was the
favourite retreat of Buffon; he had fitted up a house there with
exquisite taste. The gardens were superb, and the greenhouses and
plantations were objects of curiosity to travellers. All was now laid
waste My father-in-law's house was visited with a similar fate by
the exterminating hand of the invaders. The unfortunate old man
was unable to bear up against this new calamity, following so closely
on the death of his much beloved son. lie died a few weeks after
the invasion, without ever recovering his speech, which he lot by a
paralytic attack, occasioned by the sight of the Russian and German
uniforms.

• The Count de Buffon wrote great part of his Natural History at lili
eountry-house close to the town.

4:56 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Our fertile provinces were now inundated with battalions of bar
barians, and every day their destroying lines approximated closer
and closer. At this period I maintained a pretty extensive eorre-
spondence, and received accounts on which I could rely, from all parts
<it' France. These accounts filled me with the most poignant grief.
The government, acting on its secret principles, prohibited the jour-
nals from publishing the truth. Whether this measure were wise or
unwise, I do not pretend to determine. This, however, 1 can say,
that the intelligence most cautiously concealed was always well
known, and that, perhaps, it would at that time have been better
and wiser policy to allow a perfectly free interchange of thought.
Throughout the whole of this crisis the Emperor's conduct was
doubtless admirable ; but yet all he did led to no effective result.
The battle of Montereau was doubtless one of the most bi."liant
conceptions of his genius, and one of the most remarkable examples
of the valour of our troops and the skill of our generals.* But what
we then wanted was peace — with peace all might have been saved

* Napoleon had the peculiar faculty of uniting military eloquence to all
the other qualities of a great captain. His orders for the day, his proclama-
tions to the armj', his words of encouragement during an action, were all
replete with those warlike sallies of magic touch that intoxicate the soldier
while they lead him on to gloiy. The memory of his comrades, more faithful
than history, can relate a thousand instances of this kind, >f which the follow-
ing occurred near Montereau, in the unfortunate though ,markable year of
1814.

The. Emperor, after having beaten Prince Blucher in the successive battles
of Champaubert, Montmirail, Chateau-Thierry and Vauchamps, sometimes
engaged on the Seine, sometimes on the Marne, every where conqueror in
person without a moment of leisure to benefit by his victories at this critical
juncture, attacked vehemently Prince Schwartzenburg and the Austrians, who
were advancing on his right, and had gained the high road leading to Paris.
The troops of the Prince had established themselves on the bridge at Mon-
tereau, which the Duke of Belluno endeavoured in vain several times to take :
it was after these unsuccessful attempts that the Emperor arrived on the
heights of Surville, that commanded the town as well as the junction of the
rivers Seine and Yonne, and by his presence decided the fate of the day. He
pointed the guns himself, he directed the discharge of each, and so well was
the artillery arranged, that the Wirtemberg troops in Montereau were slain in
great numbers. Schwartzenburg, notwithstanding, endeavoured to silence the
Emperor's batteries, but the balls from the town flew over the plains of Sur-
ville without any serious result to the French army. Several of Napoleon'a
generals remonstrated seriously with their commander at the constant expo-
sure of his person in so critical a moment, and it was then that he replied with
a gaiety of countenance, " Fear nothing, my friends, the bullet which will kill
me is not yet cast." These memorable words are remembered b}- every artil

THE "ORIFLAMME." 457

An opera de circoustance, entitled the " Orijlumiuc." was brought
out in Paris, at the very time when the Count d'Artois was at
Vesoul.* At such a time the title might well have appeared omi-
nous, but a sort of general vertigo seemed to prevail. I well remem
ber the first performance of the Orijlamme. It was like a national
convention of the beau monde. Every box was filled. The Fau-
bourg St. Germain saw with enthusiasm the title of the Orijlamme,
and prepared to bestow on the piece the most extravagant applause.
1 was then in the habit of seeing many of the residents of the royal
Faubourg, and their joy knew no bounds. I never could understand
the affectation which suggested the production of Charles Martel, the
Orijlamme, les Gaulois et les France, and various other pieces de cir-
coustance, in which there appeared an array of old names, like the
dead exhumed from their graves. The success of the Orijlamme
was extraordinary. The authors certainly could not be accused of
royalist opinions. I can answer for one of them at least, that is M.
Etienne. The other was M. Baour Lormian. The music, which was
exquisitely beautiful, was the joint production of MM. Paer, Mehul,
Berton, and Kreutzer.

The Austrians were now before Grenoble maintaining a heavy
cannonade. Affairs every day assumed a more sombre aspect. Thf
invaders were advancing upon us with such terrible speed and regu
larity, that nothing seemed likely to check their progress. The
Austrians were penetrating into Dauphine ; the English and Span
iards were advancing by the Pyrenees. Hitherto our attention had
been exclusively directed towards the north ; but now the torrent
was gaining upon us on all sides. One of the most remarkable
singularities of that period was the gay aspect of Paris during the
winter of 1814. Masked balls and private balls were given without
intermission, and yet the disastrous intelligence that was daily re
ceived put dozens of families into mourning. Meanwhile the Enc
peror acquired some partial advantages over the allied armies. But

teryman of the army, and have often been repeated by them in moments of
the hottest fire.

Montereau was taken: the enthusiasm of the soldiers, of the young officers,
and of the inhabitants of the town, was increased by this victory gained by

the Emperor in person. But bope <>l" final Buccesa was not. greater ai ig llie

superior officers than it had been for some time past, ami all tins,, heroifl
efforts, while they tended to uphold the k'loiy and renown of the army, could

not save Napoleon or France.

* Formerly the Kings of France hail the Oriflumine, or great standard,
carried before them when they went to the wars.

453 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMii/T.

what did they avail? Only to show the more convincingly that all
was lost. Treason, too, had made rapid progress. In many town?
the white (lag was concealed in some of the houses, in anticipation of
the favourable moment fur raising the cry of "Vive le Roi." How
was it that the Duke de Rovigo, who was sincerely attached to the
Emperor, did not make himself acquainted with the real state of
France at that time'? But the truth is, that the Duke was a most
incompetent minister of the police. Toulouse, Bordeaux, and a great
part of the south, where trade had suffered greatly by the war,
ardently prayed for peace, setting aside any wish for the return 3f
the Bourbons.

Will it be believed that Napoleon's evil star now so completely
ruled his destiny, that he allowed himself to be misled by false
reports of the march of the enemy's forces; which reports, however,
caused the loss of Paris. After the affair of Saint-Dizier, the Em-
peror's object was to make a diversion, to draw together all the
enemy's forces, and to give a decisive battle, which should deliver
Paris. Information, which was subsequently ascertained to be false,
nduced Napoleon to march to meet the corps of Wetzingerode, with
a force amounting only to ten thousand men, all cavalry. In his rear
there were no infantry ; in short, no army. The marches and counter
marches requisite for this operation caused Napoleon to lose four
days. This loss was irreparable.

Now that I have arrived at the moment when we bade farewell to
our days of glory, I must mention an occurrence which I think suffi-
ciently important to claim a place in these Memoirs; 1 allude to the
presentation to the city of Paris of the last flags taken by the Emperor
from the enemy. It was a most imposing ceremony, and the recol-
lection of it must be still vivid in the minds of many of my own age.
I shall never forget what I felt on that occasion. It was on a Sunday;
the weather was superb for that season of the year ; for it was then
the end of February. An immense concourse of people thronged the
quays of the Louvre, the Place du Carrousel, and the Rue de Rivoli.
The Minister of the War Department, who already, in his heart, had
pronounced an anathema on the colours which he bore in triumph,
took a conspicuous part in the ceremony. The cortege passed along
the Quay, the Place du Carrousel, and the Pont Royal, in admirable
order. First came General Hulin and all his staff, preceded by a
numerous military band ; then followed the staff of the gendarmerie
of Paris, the national guard, and finally the ten flags, two of which
were borne by officers of the Imperial guard. I could not help
remarking the expression which was imprinted in the countenances of

PRESENTATION OF FLAGS. 459

these two men. It partook at once of the pride of triumph, and the
dejection which necessarily followed the reflection — Tliese flags were
taken from the enemy only twenty leagues from Paris! The other
eight flags were borne by four officers of the line and four officers of
the national guard. Next came the Minister of the War Department
in his carriage, followed and preceded by his aides-de-camp, likewise
in carriages, which, by the way, I may observe, had rather a ludicrous
effect. The procession was closed by the Imperial guard and troops
of the line. It entered the court of the Tuileries by the triumphal
arch of the Carrousel, and the Minister of the War Department, hav-
ing halted under the vestibule de l'Horloge, there received the flags,
which he was afterwards to present to the Empress.

King Joseph, whom the Emperor had left in Paris as his lieuten-
ant-general, that day reviewed the national guards. The Place du
Carrousel and the Court of the Tuileries were filled with troops. I
saw King Joseph at a distance, riding along the ranks of the national
guards and troops of the line. His striking resemblance to the Em-
peror might have made me fancy myself transported back to the
glorious days of the Consulate and the Empire. When the flags
were carried through the court of the Tuileries the drums beat and
tlic national guards presented arms; that movement was electrifying,
and a general shout of '■'■Vive V Empereur !" was once more re-echoed
by the walls of the Tuileries. The Minister of the War Department
first proceeded to the hall of the Council of State, where he was
received by a master of the ceremonies. He was afterwards con-
ducted to the Salon de la. Paix, where Count de Segur, as grand
master of the ceremonies, awaited him. The Count de Segur intro-
duced him to the Salle du Trone, where the Empress, surrounded by
her ladies and gentlemen in waiting, the princes, grand dignitaries,
ministers, and grand officers of the empire, received the flags, pre-
sented to her by the Minister of the War Department (the. Duke de
Felt re). A formal speech was delivered by the Duke, to which the
Empress replied very briefly. After this solemn ceremony the flat's
were conveyed to the Invalides, and consigned to the ear" of that,
same Marshal Serrurier, to whom Napoleon gave such a good-natured
reproof when a year afterwards he found the Hotel des Invalided
deserted by his old brothers in arms, who had fought with him in
Egypl and Italy. Of the ten flags, one was Austrian, foUT Prussian,
and five Russian. They were brought to Paris by llaron Mortemart,
one of the, Emperor's orderly officers.

One evening Cardinal Maury Came to visit, inc. When he entered,

I observed that he looked particularly dull. 1 had two or three

±(30 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

friends with me; and he asked me to favour him with a few minutes'
conversation in my cabinet. As soon as we entered he closed the
door, threw himself on a sofa, and, folding his arms with an air of
despondency, he said, "All is lost ! Heaven alone can save us by a
miracle ! We must now invoke that miracle, for I have ordered
j. ravers of forty hours." I shuddered ! Prayers of forty hours! It
seemed like the preparation for death. It was the precursor of the
death of our country. "Heavens!" I exclaimed, "surely we may
hope that the genius of the Emperor . . . ." The Cardinal shook his
head mournfully. — " He is dragging us into the abyss into which ho
has plunged himself! His obstinacy banishes all hope. Oh ! that
we lived in the days in which ecclesiastic? bore the halberd and the
sword. Old as I am I would mount my horse. I would go to the
Emperor and say, ' Sire, if those who are about you have not courage
to let you hear the truth, I will tell you that you are hurling yourself
and France to destruction. I have come to lend my feeble aid in her
defence.' " — " No, Cardinal," said I, " do not regret your mission of
peace and conciliation. Remain with us, and pray for the success of
our arms."

The most disastrous news had succeeded the delusive hope which
for a moment cheered us. In the space, of five days the Emperor
had beaten all the corps of the army of Silesia, and driven them
between the Aisne and the Marne. The five corps of the army of
Silesia lost more than twenty thousand men in the space of five days.
The genius of the army of Italy once more favoured Napoleon ; yet
her smiles were but transient. The Emperor's able and rapidly-con
ceived plans were all defeated — by whom 1 By Blucher, the fugitive
of Jena ! the prisoner of Lubeck ! In the meanwhile the party of
the old noblesse was gaining strength. The Cardinal told me many
remarkable particulars on this subject, which I noted down the same
evening. " The Emperor," said he, " does not attach sufficient im-
portance to old recollections. Even the defects of the regime of the
Bourbons, when contrasted with those of his, were converted into
blessings. The pusillanimity of Louis XVI. and all the abuses of his
reign vanished, in comparison with the absolutism of Napoleon." —
" Do you then think it possible," said I, " that the Bourbons will
ever return to France?" At first he made no reply. This subject
did not please him. The Bourbons would certainly not receive him
on their arrival in France. His letter to Bonaparte was an insult,
and he had been so usefully devoted to the royal cause that his
defection could not but be regarded as treason. — "Yes," said the
Cardinal, after a pause, "they will return; and the emigrants, who

napoleon's courage. 461

have been continually blundering, will, for once, probably see their
way rightly, and will manoeuvre by instinct, if not by talent. If this
result do not arrive, it must be owing to a renewal of the same
faults which they committed at Coblentz, at the time of the emi-
gration. The Emperor has loaded them with favours. lie will see
their gratitude."

The Cardinal was right. The greatest fault Napoleon ever com-
mitted was to surround himself with men who, whilst they kissed his
hand, were plotting treason against him. He who so often followed
the maxims of Machiavel ought to have borne in mind the following
precept : " Never restore to men the half of what they have ost, for
they will use it against you."

Bordeaux soon opened its gates to the Duke d'Angouleme. The
Prince was preceded by an Anglo-Spanish advanced guard. At length
I received from Chatillon, where I had many friends, intelligence of
the rupture of the congress. Napoleon, after long insisting on the
hases of the treaty proposed at Frankfort, presented, through the
medium of the Duke de Vicenza, a counter-project, declaring that he,
Napoleon, would consent to remain Sovereign of France circum-
scribed within its old limits, with only the addition of Savoy, Nice,
and the Isle of Elba.* The Allies rejected all these propositions, and
faithfully adhered to the declarations of the treaty, offensive and
defensive, signed at Chaumont on the 1st of March — the situation of
Napoleon had changed since the treaty of Frankfort.

The definitive reply was given on the 19th of March. Napoleon
resolved, that if he fell, his fall should be without a parallel. On the
20th and 21st of March, he fought the battles of Arcis-sur-Aube. On
these two days he exposed himself to danger like a common soldier,
giving proofs of the rarest courage arttl presence of mind, at a time
when he must have been a prey to the most harassing anxiety. The
enemy's artillery kept up a terrible fire! The halls hounded through
the air without intermission. In the very heat of the engagement,
there came up a corps of that sacred phalanx composed of men
whose courage had been tried in a hundred battles — I mean the Old
Guard. At the moment when the corps arrived on the field, the
Emperor saw that the danger was imminent. He formed the troops
into squares. The enemy's fire redoubled ; ami a bomb fell close t<>
the foremost rank of one of the squares. In spite of the long-tried

* He also wished t" retain a portion <>f Italy for Prince Eugene, tie' Grand
Duchy of Berg, anil the principality of NeufcUfttel. The latter won for Bertbier,

A clause for Berthierl

i62 NAPOLEON", HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

courage of the veterans, this occurrence caused a movement in the
ranks. Napoleon immediately saw how important was the result of
that moment. He spurred his horse and galloped up close to the
bomb-shell, and turning to the troops, said with a smile, " Well !
what is the matter? surely, you are not frightened at this?" — In
another instant the shell burst; and not only did Napoleon and his
horse escape unhurt, but no injury was sustained by any one. This
was the way in which Napoleon led his troops to victory.

Ferdinand VII. had now returned to his kingdom. On his arrival
at La Flania, near Figuieres, his person was delivered up by Marshal
Suchet, in the presence of the two combined armies. Thus did the
long Peninsula war terminate just at the point at which it began : — ■
and to complete the mortification, Spain, whose soil had been drenched
with the blood of so many martyrs of liberty, was a few months
afterwards again made subject to the stupid and tyrannical yoke of
right divine. Slavery was the reward of all the noble sacrifices made
in the cause of freedom.

I have now arrived at the crisis of our misfortunes. The Empe-
lor was forsaken by all his allies. Murat had totally abandoned
him. He occupied Tuscany, and had become, as it were, the ally of
Ferdinand IV., his enemy, the man who regarded him as a usurper.
Both now marched together against the French. I have already
mentioned that the Emperor Napoleon was misled by a false report,
either through treachery or accident. This error was fatal to Paris,
which was abandoned, with no other defenders than Clarke, the War
Minister, and King Joseph : the latter abandoned us. Though I
entertain a profound respect for General Clarke, I must confess that
I do not think he was equal to the important trust reposed in him.
But the main spring which set all the machinery in motion was
M. de Talleyrand, whom the Emperor would have done well to lodge
in Vin^enues. It was not the unassisted efforts of the Faubourg
Saint Germain that brought about the restoration : it is a great error
to suppose so. No doubt the royalists had in Paris very active
coteries of intriguing priests and women ; but these obscure arsenals
merely prepared the arms which were directed against the Emperor.
M. de Talleyrand was not the sole author of the restoration, he
merely fixed the cockades which were already prepared. To this he
will owe all his celebrity, and not t;> a political career, which is not
signalized by any incident important to his country. In spite of the
Hosannah at that time chanted by a chorus of old women, in honour
of the genius of M. de Talleyrand, it might fairly be asked what he
had ever done either for or against France. He is a man of wit, and

THE EMPRESS AND KING OF ROME LEAVE PARIS. 463

his bon-mots are excellent. But wit is his only qualification. It ig
a finely-painted curtain, behind which there was absolutely nothing
till the 30th of March. On the 30th of March M. de Talleyrand
distinguished himself by doing something important against France.
I will briefly trace his course during that memorable period.

The danger became daily more and more pressing. The Emperor
momentarily received intelligence of new defections. The conscripts
were refractory and discontented : treason multiplied in the depart-
ments and lendered more frightful the disasters caused by the
presence of the allied troops. There was no recruiting; contributions
could no longer be levied, and money was scarce. Our most fertile
provinces were desolated by the requisitions of the enemy. This
disastrous state of things was aggravated by Napoleon himself, by
his fetal distrust of the population of Paris. He was afraid to arm
that population too long before the hour of danger really arrived, and
then perfidy in the hour of need had neutralized our means of defence.
He was deceived, as I have said, at Saint-Dizier, by Wintzingerode's
corps of cavalry which he took for the enemy's advanced guard, and
having repulsed it, he discovered that the main army was not in its
rear: what an error! lie now found that he had been betrayed. lie
saw before him his own ruin, and that of France. He determined on
a retrograde movement behind the forest of Fontainebleau.

The inhabitants of Paris were in a state of the most painful
anxiety. What was to be their fate? We concealed all that we
could conceal of our valuables, and prepared for flight: but in which
direction were we to go? The English were advancing by the way
of Guienne ; the Austrians by the Lvonnais, the Bourbonnais, and
Burgundy. Champagne was the theatre of war, as well as the
provinces towards Flanders. On all sides there were disasters and
ruin, towns and villages burnt, and the earth deluged with blond.

On the 28th of March a Council of Regency was held, and it was
resolved that the Empress and the King of Rome should qui! Paris.
Who could have advised a measure so impolitic, and so little pro-
ductive of advantage to the Empress herself? Was it expected that
the English would show her more respect than the Austrians if she
had encountered them? Maria-Louisa was our shield, and we would

have been her defence. The departure of the Empress and the King
of Rome is still an affair of mystery. They proceeded to Blois, ac-
companied by an escort of two thousand si\ hundred picked troops,
leaving Paris to be defended by King Joseph and the national guard
without arms. Doubtless Napoleon ordered their departure, but he
must have been deceived. Maria-Louisa was followed by all t he

464 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

ministers and all the grand dignitaries, except M. de Talleyiand,
Savary, and Clarke, who were not to depart till the 30th. The
approaches to Paris wore defended by Marshals Marmont and Mor-
tier; the former having with him only two thousand four hundred
men of good infantry, and eight hundred cavalry. Marmont defended
the heights of Belleville and Romainville. The Duke de Treviso had
to defend the intervening space from the canal to the Seine, and
Marmont from the '-anal to the Marne. On the day of the attack,
the 30th of March, universal terror prevailed. The interior of every
house was like the abode of mourning and despair. Paris seemed
like a city struck by the malediction of Heaven. The Duke de
Rovigo had received instructions not to quii the capital before the
Prince of Benevento. This was strange, and it may serve as an
answer to those who allege that the Emperor never respected social
liberty where his interests were concerned. M. de Talleyrand was
free to depart ; it was only the Emperor's minister who was detained
captive, for his departure depended on that of the Prince of Bene-
vento. But to quit Paris at that particular moment wrould not have
suited the Prince's purpose. It was necessary to invent an excuse.
and the following was thought of. I know not why the Duke de
Piovigo has not related the circumstance as it really happened.
Perhaps he wished to disguise, under the veil of silence, the sort of
mystification that was played upon him.

Prince Talleyrand still remained in Paris, for his absence was not
wished by the party who had been busily preparing white flags and
cockades. That party wished to get rid of the Duke de Rovigo. He
was devoted to the Emperor. I must render him this justice if 1 have
been severe to him on other points. What was wanted was to get
him to depart, and to allow the Prince de Benevento to stay. This
object was effected by the clever management of Madame de Remusat.
That lady repaired to the Prefecture of the Police. She was on terms
of intimate friendship with M. Etienne Pasquier, then Prefect. "My
dear Baron," said she, as she entered his cabinet, "I have come to
request that you will do me an act of service." — "What is it?" —
"M. de Talleyrand must not quit Paris."

Accustomed as M. Pasquier was to extraordinary revolutions of
opinions and parties, he could not repress a very significant expression
of surprise whilst he listened to Madame de Remusat. It was some
time before he made any reply. At length he said, " What can I do,
Madame? M. de Talleyrand must quit Paris like all the rest of the
great dignitaries. You would not have me disobey the Emperor's
order, for he is still Emperor, and may be back again to-morrow "

ROVIGO AND TALLEYRAND. 465

Madame de Remusat shrugged her shoulders with an air of contempt:
" Come, come, Baron, surely you are not one of thoso who think
he has power to work miracles! He has no longer any army, no
empire." Baron Pasquier shook his head. "But that is nothing to
the purpose," said he; "you propose a thing that cannot he done. It
is perfectly impossible to do what you wish. Where is M. de Talley-
rand?"— "At your door, in my carriage." — "Is not your husband at
the Barriere du Maine with his company ?" — " He is." — " Well. I
should imagine that he is the best person to detain M. de Talleyrand
in Paris. Let him set out in his own carriage, with his own liveries,
so as to let it be seen that he does set out. On his arrival at the
Barriere, your husband may detain him if he pleases. I have no need
to appear in the business. This is my advice, and if you think fit, you
may follow it."

Madame de Remusat left the cabinet of the Prefect, perfectly sat
isfied. As soon as the Duke de Rovigo was informed, by his spies,
that the Prince de Benevento had left his hotel, he left his, and quitted
Paris, without seeking any further information, and without knowing
whether the enemy was not practising some artful scheme. I beg his
pardon for speaking of him thus candidly, but his conduct was worso
than maladroit — it was stupid.

When M. de Talleyrand learned that the Duke de Rovigo had
thus left the field open to him, he said nothing, but he smiled
with that satirical expression so customary with him. He returned
to Paris, and his conduct there is so well known that I need scarcely
describe it. He, without any reserve, placed himself in hostilities to
the filling party, and joined the party that was triumphing. There
certainly is, in M. de Talleyrand's nature, some quality which attracts
him towards those who are gaining power, and repels him from those
who are losing that same power. We saw proofs of this on the 18th
Brumaire, in ls| i; and in 1830. Thus it was that M. de Talleyrand
remained in Paris after aM the members of the government had joined
the Empress at 111. /is. The poor Duke de Rovigo was so ill served
by his spies, that they gave him false reports, and the account of the

above affair, as given in his Memoirs, is incorrect. The st<>ry is as I
have related it. Several of the actors who took part in the drama am
still living. My account, may possibly displease them, hut they r:n)
only deny mv statements without proving them to lie untrue.

While, all these incidents were passing, the inhabitants of Paris

were in a dreadful Btate of alarm. I had concealed most of mv

diamonds in a girdle which I woi ver my corsets. My pearls, and

Borne other ie.vels wf minor value, were conceal id in a similar manner
69

4G6 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

1>\ Mademoiselle Poidevin, the governess of my daughters. Towards
evening my drawing-room began to fill. Madame Juste de Noailles
was among my visitors. She was rery uneasy at the aspect of affairs,
though uot alarmed for the safety of herself and family. In the event
of a return of the Bourbons, the Noailles were sure of standing on a
favourable footing. But her husband was at the head-quarters of the
Emperor Alexander, and she was anxious to see what turn affairs
would take. As to myself, I was truly miserable. I was tolerably
well informed of all that was going on, and I saw nothing but an
abyss. At length eleven o'clock struck. The fatal morning was ap-
proaching, and I had as yet formed no settled determination. I sat
down and wrote to the Duke de Ragusa. The friendship which had
united him to the Duke d'Abrantes induced 7ne to appeal to him for
advice, and I felt assured that he would direct me to the most prudent
course. I therefore wrote to him that, being alone in my house with
my four young children, I was greatly perplexed, and did not know
whether it would be most advisable to depart, or to remain where I
was. I sent my letter to the Hotel de Ragusa, where the Marshal
happened to be at that very moment engaged in drawing up the capi-
tulation, or rather in receiving the conditions. Occupied as he must
have been, he seized his first moment of leisure to return 'me an
answer. The following is a copy of his letter :

" I thank you, Madame, for the proof of confidence you have given
me. Since you ask for my advice, I would recommend you not to
quit Paris, which to-morrow will certainly be more tranquil than any
place within twenty leagues round. After having done all in my
power for the honour of France and the French arms, I am forced to
sign a capitulation, which will permit foreign troops to enter our
capital to-morrow ! All my efforts have been unavailing. 1 have
been compelled to yield to numbers, whatever regret I may have felt
in doing so. But it was my duty to spare the blood of the soldiers
confided to my charge. I could not do otherwise than I have done,
and I hope that my country will judge me as I deserve. My con-
science expects this justice." I received this letter at two o'clock in
the morning. I read it to the friends who had assembled at my house.
It of course decided us not to leave Paris, but at the same time h
profoundly grieved us. A capitulation ! — and before the very barriers
of Paris! It is perfectly false that Napoleon sent M. de Girardiu to
Paris, with orders that the powder magazines of Grenelle should be
Dlown up before the arrival of the Allies. The Emperor, on the oon
trary, was destitute of ammunition, and desired that the powder should

THE WHITE COCKADE. 467

be convoyed, if possible, to Fontainebleau. He loved his Parisians
belter than to sacrifice them wantonly, without any prospect of
alienor good.

CHAPTER XLVIIL

The Allies enter Paris — First appearance of the white cockade — The allied
troops and their white scarfs — The Emperor Alexander at the hotel of
M. de Talleyrand — The Council — Napoleon at Fontainebleau — A conspiracy
— Berthier deserts the Emperor — The Duke de Ragusa and General Souham
— Deputation of the Marshals — The Emperor of Russia — His answer to the
Marshals— Napoleon's conversation on suicide — He takes poison — Hi9 re-
covery— Marmont and the Convention of Chevilly — Indignation of the
troops against Marmont — The 4th of April at Fontainebleau — The Abdica-
tion— Aapoleon's forbearance — Grand Ceremony of expiation— le Deum,

The Allies had new entered Paris. The Duke de Ragnsa had retired
to Essonne, together with Generals Souham, Compans, and several
others.

At two o'clock on the morning of the 31st of March, that day so
important in the. history of France, the capitulation of Paris was
signed. The Bourbons would consequently have been proclaimed at
daybreak by their party, had the assent of the allied powers been
positive and unreserved ; but even at eleven o'clock in the forenoon
nothing betokened the intended restoration. It was not until twelve
o'clock that some white cockades and flags became visible in the
Place Louis XV. These demonstrations of royalty were paraded
along the Place by about forty persons on horseback, who waved the
flags and shouted Vive le Roil Vivcnt les Bourbons! But the people
were mournful and silent, and did not join in these cries. This is an
unquestionable fact. The Archbishop of Malines himself, declared,
that however desirous he was to see the fall of Bonaparte, he neither

heard nor saw any lliing on the :j|-t of' Man b that could lead him to

expect the return of the old dynasty. The Duke de Dalberg, who

was at a window in the hotel of M. de Talleyrand, exclaimed, "They
an- mounting the white cockade!" Then sum.' of the party assembled
at, M. de Talleyrand's went out merely to see, as one of them expi

it. what had caused the uproar. Te n on horseback, with white

Rags, proceeded in the direction of the Boulevard de la Madclaine
As the} passed through the Rue Royale, the shouts beci i louder.

iGS NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY,

Windows were opened, white cockades were thrown out, and ladiea
waved white handkerchiefs.

The group of persons described above were on the Boulevard do
la Madelaine when they met M. Tourton, a general officer of tho
national guard. lie was on horseback, and was accompanied by an
aide-de-camp of the Emperor of Russia. Both were stopped by the
group, who continued to shout, Vive le Roil Vivent les Bourbons !
M. Tourton said he could not grant them the protection they required
until he had orders from the government, and the Emperor of
Russia's aide-de-camp seemed very much embarrassed. These two
gentlemen proceeded to the Barriere de Belleville, leaving the group
on the Boulevard. The fact is, that all this movement was perfectly
partial, and that if a squadron of the Imperial Guard had only galloped
through Paris the little party of Bourbonites would speedily have
been dispersed.

On the 31st of March the Allied Sovereigns entered Paris. As
they advanced into the capital, the demonstrations in favour of the
Bourbons became more positive ; either because the fear of Napoleon
nad hitherto repressed the real sentiments of the populace, or because
that populace merely followed the inclination natural to mankind, to
salute the rising and to turn from the setting sun. A circumstance,
trivial in itself, had a singular influence at this crisis ; it was observed
that the allied troops had all white scarfs tied round their arms: they
were worn as the sign of victory, and not as the indications of French
royalism. Most people, however, regarded them in the latter point
of view, and the royalists, artfully profiting by the mistake, reported
that Louis XVIII. was acknowledged by the Emperor of Russia, and
even by the Emperor of Austria ; that Prince Schwartzenburg wore
the white scarf, and that the King's arrival might be looked for next
day.

It is a positive fact that no pledge for the restoration had been
given by the Allies. No doubt the Emperor Alexander might cherish
a feeling more or less favourable to the Bourbons; but as yet that
feeling had not been manifested. It has been mentioned, as a proof
-){ the Emperor Alexander's inclination to favour the royal cause, that
he chose as his place of residence the house of M. de Talleyrand, who
was known to be the enemy of Napoleon. I do not mean to say that
Talleyrand was the friend of the Bourbons ; it would be absurd either
to say or to believe so ; but he lent his aid to one Sovereign merely
for the sake of destroying the other. At five o'clock in the afternoon
the Emperor Alexander arrived on foot at the hotel of M. de Talley-
rand. The latter was then holding a consultation with M. de Pradt,

EMPEROR ALEXANDER AT M. DE TALLEYRANDS. 469

who, after kissing the Imperial hand, which for fifteen years Lad over
whelmed him with favours, now acted the part of the Ass to the fallen
Lion. Next arrived M. de Dalberg. He was more unpardonable, for
Napoleon, instead of giving him any cause of dissatisfaction, had
loaded him and his family with wealth and honours. Ingratitude like
his is doubly revolting. The Emperor of Russia arrived at M. de
Talleyrand's on foot, having alighted from his horse after seeing the
troops defile. He was received by M. de Talleyrand, having as aides
des ceremonies M. de Pradt on the one hand, and the Abbe Louis on
the other. Both, were eagerly craving for the good things of office ; and
they humbly bowed before the conqueror in the hope of sharing the
spoil of the conquered. M. de Talleyrand did not reflect that these
two gentlemen were of his own cloth ; if he had, he would probably
have shaken off the Archbishop of Malines, at least. I ought, how-
ever, to mention, that previously to the arrival of the Emperor of
Russia, M. de Nesselrode had been closeted for two hours with M.
de Talleyrand ; and there is reason to believe that in that tete-a-tete
were determined the matters which were subsequently discussed in the
council : — whether this was with the cognizance of the Emperor of
Russia I know not.

On his way to the house of M. de Talleyrand the Emperor Alex-
ander was accosted by Viscount Sosthenes de Larochefoucauld, who
earnestly implored him to restore to France her legitimate Sovereign.
This step on the part of M. de Larochefoucauld was as honourable as
the conduct of the persons to whom I have just alluded was base. M.
de Larochefoucauld never served Napoleon in any way — whether in
the army or the Imperial household. His sentiments were always
consistent, and invariably tending to one object. When he mounted
the while cockade, he merely manifested a feeling which had long been
cherished by himself and his family. In this there was nothing to
blame; but, on the contrary, every thing to applaud. The reply <>f
Alexander to the petition of M. de Larochefoucauld was singularly
circumspect. He held out to him no hope; and, indeed, his reply
might without difficulty have been construed into a refund.

This indecision arose out of a cause which was not, at the time,
generally understood in Paris. The Emperorof Russia was nol con-
vinced that the whole nation shared the enthusiasm of a few hundred
individuals whom M. de Talleyrand presented to him as the kingdom.
At the recent engagement at Eere-Champenoise, the Russians hail
seen a few thousand men allow themselves to he cut, 1o pieces rather
than yield to the enemy ; ami these men had been taken from the

plough only a few days before. What, then, was to 1 xpected from

470 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the army — the marshals and the generals ? This question occupied
the attention of the Emperor Alexander — I know this from a source
of unquestionable authority. Thus far M. tie Talleyrand may be said
to have aided the restoration, for between him and M. de Nesselrode
the plans were previously arranged. The Emperor Alexander was
induced to adopt them ; and one strong argument employed to effect
this object was the defection of Marmont. — Marmont! the brother in
arms, the aide-de-camp, the dearest bosom friend of Napoleon, since
the death of Junot, Lannes, Duroc, and Bessieres ; yes, he had aban-
doned him ! It was evident, then, that France wished to depose him.
Another fatal circumstance was Napoleon's separation from Maria-
Louisa.*

Nevertheless, the Emperor of Russia firmly resisted the proposed
restoration, on the grounds proposed by M. de Talleyra id. " What
means would you employ ?" inquired the Emperor Alexander. "The
constituted authorities," confidently replied M. de Talleyrand. The
Emperor appeared astonished. — "What authorities? they are all dis-
persed."— " I ask your Majesty's pardon. The members of the Senate
are in sufficient number. (This was not true.) So are those of the
Legislative Body. The Senate having once pronounced, France will
obey its dictates."! Alexander still hesitated. " Will your Majesty
be pleased to hear two witnesses in confirmation of my testimony ?''
With these words M. de Talleyrand sent for the Baron Abbe Louis
and the Archbishop of Malines. On the evidence of these two men
the Emperor of Russia formed his opinion on the state of France !
In truth, I am almost inclined to believe that his mind was made up
beforehand.

The council was held immediately afterwards. This council con-
sisted of the Emperor Alexander and the King of Prussia, the Duke
de Dalberg, N. Nesselrode, M. Pozzo di Borgo, Prince Schwartzen-
burg, Prince Liechtenstein, M. de Talleyrand, Baron Louis, and the
Archbishop of Malines. These individuals were ranged on the right
and left of the large table which stood in the middle of the apartment.
The Emperor Alexander did not sit down, but alternately stood and
walked about : his mind seemed quite absorbed in the great interests
which were under consideration. He expatiated largely on the mis-
fortunes of war, and ended by observing, that Napoleon, having mer-

* The Empress and her son were still at Blois.

\ This remark of M. de Talleyrand is a terrible condemnation on the Senate.
It would lead to the inference, that ?f the Senate had protested against the arbi
fcrary commands of Napoleon, it would have been seconded by France.

NAPOLEON AT FONTAINEBLEAU. 471

ited to be deprived of a power which he abused, Franco should ba
allowed to choose another Sovereign ; and that the Allies should aid
that important object, by assisting to repress the efforts of persona
striving to maintain an order of things which it was necessary totally
to abolish. Having said thus much, he turned to the King of Prussia,
and to Prince Sehwartzenburg, who represented the Emperor of Aus-
tria, and asked them whether they concurred in his opinion. Alex-
ander then made several noble and generous remarks, and tetrayed
considerable emotion. It is but justice to acknowledge, that, in his
intervention in the affairs of France, he was at the outset actuated by
the most magnanimous feeling.

The conduct of the Archbishop of Malines was curious on this
occasion. It will be best painted in colours borrowed from his own
palette. " When the Emperor asked me my opinion," said he, in his
description of the above scene, " I eagerly declared we were all roy-
alists— that all France was of the same opinion — that we had only
observed silence on account of the Congress of Chatillon" (that is to
say, through fear). To this the Abbe added a thousand fine things of-
the same sort. Tims the business of the Council was settled. I have
neither added nor invented. The affair was reported in the journals;
but not with the above details, for the authenticity of which I am
enabled to vouch.

The Senate was convoked on the 1st of April. On the 2d, the act
of abdication was declared, and on the 3d the wreck of the Legislative
Body declared its concurrence in the abdication. Napoleon was at
Fontainebleau" with Berthier, Maret, Caulaincourt, Bertrand, and the
majority of the marshals. This interval in thecareerof theEmperor
is, perhaps, unexampled in the history of the world. We have read
of the revolutions of the seraglio, of those of the Lower Empire ; of
the assassinations of Russia: we have seen the blood-stained crowns
of India given to vile eunuchs; but nothing in the pages of history
present any parallel to what passed at Fontainebleau during the days,
and, above all, the nights, passed there by the hero, abandoned by
C< rtune, and surrounded by those whom he supposed to be his friends.
A thick veil was drawn over the event, for the principal actors in it
carefully concealed their baseness from the eye of the world. \'< *
persons are aware that Napoleon was doomed to death during the t',w
days which preceded his abdication, by a band of conspirators com-
posed of the most distinguished chiefs of the army.

" But," said one of them in the council in which these demons dis-
cussed their atrocious project, ': what are we to do with him I There

172 NAPOLEON, HIS 'COURT AND FAMILY.

arc two or three among us, who, like Anthony,* would exhibit his
blood-stained robe to the people, and make us play the parts of Cas-
sius and Brutus. 1 have no wish to see my house burnt, and to be
put to flight." — " Well," said another, " we must leave no trace of him.
lie must be sent to heaven like Romulus." The others applauded,
and then a most horrible discussion commenced. It is not in my
power to relate the details. Sufliee it to say, that the Empeior's
death was proposed and discussed for the space of an hour, with a
degree of coolness which might be expected among Indian savages
armed with tomahawks. " But," said he who had spoken first, " we
must come to some determination. The Emperor of Russia is im-
patient. The month of April is advancing, and nothing has been
done. Now, for the last time, we will speak to him of his abdication.
He must sign it definitively — or — " A horrible gesture followed this
last word.

Yes, the life of Napoleon was threatened by those very men whom
he had loaded with wealth, honours, and favours ; to whom he had
given lustre from the reflection of his own glory. Napoleon was
warned of this conspiracy, and it must have been the most agonizing
event of his whole life. The torments of St. Helena were nothing in
comparison with what he must have suffered, when a pen was present
ed to him, by a man who presumed to say, "Sign — if you wish to
live." If these last words were not articulated, the look, the gesture,
the inflexion of the voice, expressed more than the tongue could have
uttered.

The Emperor of Russia wished to ascertain the feeling of the army
Defore he adopted a final resolution. Napoleon made choice of Mar
shal Macdonald, Marshal Lefebvre, Marshal Oudinot, the Duke de
Vieenza, Marshal Ney, and the Duke de Bassano, to bear to the Em-
peror Alexander the propositions which he had to make to the allied
powers. Some time previously to this occurred a scene, the remem-
brance of which fills me with indignation against the man whom it
almost exclusively concerns. I allude to Berthier. He was with the
Emperor, and he invented an excuse for leaving him at that moment.
He alleged that his presence was required in Paris, for the purpose of
securing some papers which were of importance to the Emperor him-
self Whilst he spoke, Napoleon looked at him with melancholy
surprise, which, however, Berthier did not, or would not observe.
" Berthier," said Napoleon, taking his hand, " you see that I have need

* They alluded to the Duke de Bassano, Caulaincourt, Bertrand, and som«
others.

THE DUKE DE RAGUSA AND GENERAL SOUHAM. 473

of consolation — and how much I require at this moment to he sur-
rounded by my true friends." He pronounced these last words em-
phatically. Berthier made no reply. Napoleon continued : " You
will be back to-morrow, Berthier?" — " Certainly, Sire," replied the
Prince de Neufchatel. And he left the Emperor's cabinet with trea-
son in his heart. After his departure, Napoleon remained for some
time silent. He followed him with his eyes, and when Berthier was
out of sight, he cast them down towards the ground, on which he
looked thoughtfully for several minutes. At length he advanced to
the Duke de Bassano, and laying his hand on his arm, he pressed it
forcibly and said, " Maret, he will not come back." He then threw
himself dejectedly into a chair. lie was right. Berthier did no.,
return.

The Duke de Ragusa had left his army-corps under the command
of General Souham. This army-corps was in the neighbourhood of
Essonne. -Marshal Marmont was still undetermined as to what course
he should adopt. The convention, which on the 5th of April had been
uoncluded at Chevilly, between him and Prince Schwartzenburg, had
oeen disavowed. But there was one thing very unpardonable in the
Duke de Ragusa, which was his having sent a copy of the act of abdi-
cation, which was not yet known, to the army ; and the remarks which
accompanied the document, sufficiently explained what were his mo-
tives for sending it. General Souham then thought that if the Em-
peror should return to power, they had gone too far to retract, that
they were lost; and in the absence of the Duke de Ragusa he deter-
mined, for himself, as to what course he should adopt. He told the
troops that they were to march against the enemy. The soldiers joy-
fully flew to arms; but they continued their march to a considerable
distance, without, as they expected, coming up with the enemy. At,
length, when they reached the neighbourhood of Versailles, they dis-
covered they had been deceived. They then turned furiously against
their generals, who were wellnigh being sacrificed to their anger and
disappointment. Cries of Vive VEmpercur! Mort aux strangers!
Mort aux Prussians ! Mort aux Russcs ! resounded on every side.
His news speedily reached Paris; but not soon enough to enlighten
the Emperor Alexander. Bui did he wish it ? This is a secrel which
it is impossible to divine. And yet I think he was sincere on his first
arrival in Paris.

The particulars of the deputation of the Marshals to the Emperbf
of Russia have, been detailed in so many publications, that I think it
unnecessary to repeat them here. I may merely mention thai the
number of Marshals being complete, the Emperor wished to add Mar

i74 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

shal Macdonald, and he said to the Duke de Bassano, '; I wish to in
elude the Duke de Tarento. He is not attached to mc ; but 1 know
him to be an honest man, and for that reason his voice will have mora
weight with the Emperor of Russia than ^ny other. Write to him,
Maret." Then, after a moment's reflection, he added: "But poor
Marmont ! He will be grieved that I do not include him in the dep-
utation. Well, Maret, we must have his name in it. Set down Mao
douald's name. But do not erase Marmont's." I know not whether
the Duke de Ragusa has ever been made acquainted with this fao^.
If so, I think it must have caused him a pang of regret.

The Marshals, after a long conference with Napoleon, set out for
Paris. They stopped at Petit-Bourg, at the head-quarters of the
Prince of Wirtemberg, to take fresh escorts. Marshal Marmont did
not alight from his carriage, which was remarked as extraordinary.
On their arrival in Paris, they immediately waited on the Emperor
of Russia. There Marmont evinced signs of great agitation. It was
doubtless caused by grief — for he was not a traitor. No, he was in-
capable of that ; — but he was unhappy, and no wonder, if he knew the
extent of the mischief he had done. When the Marshals entered the
apartment in which the Emperor of Russia was in readiness to receive
them, Marmont did not accompany them. Was he at that time aware
of the step which Souham had taken?

The Emperor of Russia gave the Marshals an attentive hearing.
Doubtless his determination was formed ; but he would not, even in
appearance, put any restraint upon the nation. The abdication in
favour of Napoleon II., by his father, was one of the three measures
proposed to the council, the rejection of which had been brought about
by M. de Talleyrand.

The Emperor of Russia spoke on the question with considerable
warmth. The arguments brought forward, in favour of the son of
Napoleon, appeared to produce an impression on him. Above all
things, civil war was in his opinion most to be dreaded. At the
moment when he appeared to be ready to yield the point in question,
one of his officers delivered to him a packet. He opened it, and his
countenance suddenly changed. " How is this, gentlemen," said he
to the Marshals, in a tone of reproach. " You are treating with me
in the name of the army. You give me assurance of its sentiments,
and at the same moment I receive intelligence that the army-corps
of the Duke de Ragusa has adhered to the act of abdication, as pro-
claimed by the senate!" He presented to them the declaration of
adherence, signed by all the generals and superior officers of the

NAPOLEON TAKES POISON. 475

5th corps. From that moment all was at an end. The Emperoi
declared that every thing had been unalterably settled.

Such was the answer conveyed to Napoleon. On receiving it he
was more deeply afflicted at finding himself abandoned by the men
whom he had created, than by the loss of his crown. The Duke de
Bassano assured me, that the Emperor never appeared to him so
truly great as at that moment. Throughout the whole day, his
conversation turned on subjects of the most gloomy kind, and he
dwelt much on suicide. lie spoke so frequently on this subject, that
Marchand, his first valet-de-chambre, and Constant were struck with
it. They consulted together, and both with common consent removed
from the Emperor's chamber an Arabian poniard, and the balls from
his pistol-case." The Duke de Bassano had also remarked this
continued allusion to suicide, notwithstanding his efforts to divert
Napoleon's thoughts from it. The Duke spoke to Marchand, after
he had taken leave of the Emperor, previously to retiring to rest,
and he expressed himself satisfied with the precautions which had
Been taken. The Duke had been in bed some time when he was
awoke by Constant, who came to him pale and trembling: "Monsieur
le Due," he exclaimed, "come immediately to the Emperor. His
Majesty has been taken very ill!" The Duke de Bassano immediately
hurried to the bedside of the Emperor, whom he found pale and cold
as a marble statue. He had taken poison!

When Napoleon departed for his second campaign in Russia,
Corvisart gave him some poison of so subtle a nature, that in a few
minutes, even in a few seconds, it would produce death. This poison
was the same as that treated of by Cabanis, and consisted of tho
Prussic acid which lias subsequently been ascertained to be so fatal
in its effects. It was with this same poison that Condorcet terminated
his existence. Napoleon constantly carried it aboul him. It was
enclosed in a little bag hermetically sealed, and suspended round his
neck. As lie always wore a flannel waistcoat next to his skin, tho
little bag had for a ]<>nf_r time escaped the observation of Marchand,
and he had forgotten it. Napoleon was confide.n1 in the efficacy
of this poison, and regarded it as the means of being master of
himself] He swallowed it on the nighl above mentioned, after having,
put his affairs in order and written some letters, lie had tacitly
bade farewell to the Duke de Bassano and sonic of his other friends,

* Marchand, as [g wll known, accompanied Napoleon to the rale of Elba,

and sabsequently to 8t Selena. Constant, who imagined that he had I n

.11 treated by the Emperor, quitted Ids Bervice al Fontaineblcau, nfter having
received 50,000 franca from the fundd of hi* royal muster, to repair Id- house.

170 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

but without giving them cause for the slightest suspicion. The poisoc
was, as 1 have already observed, extremely violent in its nature;
but by reason of its subtlety it was the more liable to lose its power
by being kept for any length of time. This happened in the present
instance. It caused the Emperor dreadful pain, but it did not prove
fatal. When the Duke de Bassano perceived him in a condition
closely resembling death, he knelt down at his bedside and burst into
wars: "Ah! Sire!" he exclaimed, "what have you done?" The
Emperor raised his eyes and looked at the Duke with an expression
of kindness; then stretching to him his cold and humid hand, he said,
•• You see, God has decreed that I shall not die. He too condemns
me to suffer !"

The Duke de Bassano could never relate this scene without the
most painful emotion. The affair was but little known at the time
of its occurrence, notwithstanding the importance which was attached
to the most trivial act of Napoleon. But it was deemed prudent
to conceal from the knowledge of the multitude every thing cal
culated to excite sympathy for the victim, and indignation against his
persecutors.

When the provisional government said that the army, which was
described as being in a state of subjection, was, on the contrary, iu
open revolt, an order was sent to the Duke de Ragusa directing him
to depart immediately and restore order. When it was understood
that the Marshal was in the neighbourhood of Versailles, a plan was
laid to assassinate him. I could myself name several officers who
were fully resolved to strike the blow. A fault in the unfortunate
convention of Chevilly had exasperated, not only the officers, but the
soldiers : — this was the stipulation of a place of secure retirement for
the Emperor and his family. There was, it must be confessed, in
Marmont's conduct in this affair, a degree of impudence. I am sorry
to employ this word, but it comes naturally to the point of my pen.
Did he mean to tell the French people that the safety of Napoleon —
of that colossus whose powerful hands had controlled the two hemi-
spheres— depended upon him ! On his arrival at Versailles, Marmont
dared not venture to present himself to his troops. He acquainted
the general officers with his arrival, and retired to a farm at Grand
Montreuil. The general officers did not choose to take the responsi-
bility on their own heads, and they took with them a number of
officers of every rank. The unfortunate Marmont was thus surrounded
by an accusing circle, who raised cries of vengeance which might
well have excited terror in a man less inured to danger than the
Duke of Ragusa. ll But what would you have done in my place V

THE FOURTH OF APRIL AT FONTAINEBLEAU. 477

fie exclaimed, in a moment of despair. All was appeased by the
abdication of the Emperor! That act may be regarded as the noblest
of Napoleon's life. It was not duly appreciated by a nation like the
French, who consider every thing with levity. A single sign, made
by the little hand of Napoleon, would have raised whole legions, as it
were, out of the earth. He might have returned to Paris in disguise,
and have excited an insurrection ; — the Allied Sovereigns micrht have

7 DO

been massacred, and the streets deluged with blood. But he chose
to descend from the throne, rather than to continue on it by such
means.

On the 4th of April, the Emperor reviewed, at Fontainebleau, his
guards, and the troops who still remained faithful to him. Marshal
Ney, Marshal Lefebvre. and Marshal Oudinot, were pTt&ent at this
review. The Emperor had very properly forbidden any of the
journals from being circulated among the military. He still cherished
hope. The review passed off very quietly. When it was ended,
Marshal Lefebvre entered the cabinet. " Sire," said he, in a voice
faltering with emotion, "you would not listen to your faithful
servants! You are lost! The Senate has declared the abdication !"
The fact is, that Marshal Lefebvre had advised Napoleon to defend
himself in Paris.

The guards still continued faithful, but the troops of the line had
been tampered with. The Duke de Bassano was still at Fontainebleau.
He would not leave the Emperor, and spared no effort to sustain his
fortitude. The Duke de Reggio was likewise at Fontainebleau.
After the parade on the 5th, the Emperor sent for him, and asked
whether he thought the troops would follow him to Italy? "No,
Sire," replied the Marshal; "your Majesty has abdicated !" — "Yes,
but on certain conditions!" — "Soldiers cannot, discern these nice
distinctions," observed the Marshal. The Emperor made no reply.

At one in the morning, Marshals Ney and Macdonald returned

from Paris. Marshal Ney, who entered first, said, "Sire, we have

succeeded only in part." And he related how the defection of the
Gth corps had prevented them from settling the question of the
abdication by securing the succession of his son. Napoleon was
deeply wounded by the conduct of the troops confided to the com-
mand of Marmont. Marmont certainly was not a traitor; and yet
no traitor could have done greater mischief "To what place am I
to retire with my family?" inquired Napoleon. "Wherever you!
Majesty may please. To the Isle of Elba, for example, with a
revenue of six millions." — "Six millions! that is a large allowance,

considering thai. I am only a soldier." At i li.it moment Napoleon

178 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY".

bad with ill in at Fontainebleau the troops of Macdonald, Mortier,
Lefebvre, and Marmont. These different corps amounted altogether
to forty-five thousand men. Deducting twelve thousand as the
amount of Marmont's corps, there remain thirty-three thousand with
which Napoleon might have commenced civil war. Before the
expiration of a fortnight he would have doubled his forces. His
forbearance, in this particular, has never been fully acknowledged,
It has even been pronounced want of firmness ! His abdication was
prompted by a noble impulse of -his generous nature. He abdicated
to save France from the horrors of civil war.

About this time a ceremony took place in Paris, at which I was
present, because there was nothing in it that could be mortifying to
a French heart. The death of Louis XVI. had long been admitted
to be one of the most serious misfortunes of the Revolution. The
Emperor Napoleon never spoke of that Sovereign but in terms of
the highest respect, and always prefixed the epithet unfortunate to
his name. The ceremony to which I have alluded was proposed by
the Emperor of Russia, and the King of Prussia. It consisted in a
sort of expiation and purification of the spot on which Louis XVI.
and the Queen were beheaded. I went to see this ceremony, and I
had a place at a window in the Hotel of Madame de Remusat, next
to the Hotel de Crillon, and what was termed the Hotel de Courlande.
The weather was extremely fine, and warm for the season. The
ceremony took place on the 10th of April. The Emperor of Russia
and King of Prussia, accompanied by Prince Schwartzenburg, took
their station at the entrance of the Rue Royale : the King of Prussia
being on the right of the Emperor Alexander, and Prince Schwartz-
enburg on his left. There was a long parade, during which the
Russian, Prussian, and Austrian military bands vied with each other
in playing the air: — Vive Henri IV. The cavalry defiled, and then
withdrew into the Champs-Elysees ; but the infantry ranged them-
selves round an altar which was raised in the middle of the place,
and which was elevated on a platform, having twelve or fifteen steps.,
The Emperor of Russia alighted from his horse, and followed by the
King of Prussia, the Grand Duke Constantine, Lord Cathcart, and
Prince Schwartzenburg, advanced to the altar. When the Emperor
had nearly reached the altar, the Te Deum commenced. At the
moment of the benediction, the Sovereigns and persons who accom-
panied them, as well as the twenty -five thousand troops who covered
tiie place, all knelt down. On rising, the Grand Duke Constantine
took off his hat, and immediately salvos of artillery were heard.

DISPERSION OF THE IMPERIAL FAMILY. 479

The Greek priest presented the cross to the Emperor Alexander,
who kissed it: his example was followed by the individuals who
accompanied him, though they were not of the Greek faith.*

CHAPTER XLIX.

Dispersion of the Imperial family — Judas and St. Peter — The Emperor ol
Austria's arrival in Paris — Napoleon's act of abdication signed — Forfeiting
of majorates — M. Metteruich's advice — Visit to me from the Emperor of
Russia — The bronze figure of Napoleon — Alexander's opinion of the Duke
of Rovigo — The Duke de Bassano — Junot's portrait — The Emperor's de-
parture— His Majesty's second visit — His conversation on the Duke of
Vicenza — His admiration of Paris — Promises his influence in favour of my
son's majorates — Lord Cathcart — The Staff-officer of the Prince Royal of
Sweden — Motives of Bernadotte's visit to Paris — His proposition to the
Count dArtois — Visit from the Duke of Wellington — General and Lady
Cole — Miss Eliza Bathurst — The Monster Prince — His love adventures.

The Empress Maria-Louisa was now at Rambouillet, and was pre-
paring to set out for Germany. Napoleon's brothers and sisters were
all scattered about in various places. Queen Hortense was in Paris.
The Empress Josephine was at Malmaison. The Princess Pauline
was in Provence, residing at a country house near Orgon. Mai lame
Mere and Cardinal Fesch were on their way from Lyons to Pome.
Jerome and Joseph were about to depart to America, and Lucien
was in England. In short, the different members of the Imperial
family were all separated and dispersed. It was now their turn to
sutler. Whilst tears were flowing from the eyes of a glorious <l\ nasty ,
who must have felt their misfortunes the more keenly, inasmuch as
they had reason tc count on a very different fate, the other proscribed
family were retun,.ng to the land of their fathers. The Counl d'Artois
re-entered Paris after an exile of twenty -two years.

All was consummated. Lvery day the journals were filled with
the names of generals who seemed to fancy that their adherence lo
the new governmenl could not be declared speedily enough, or in
terms sufficiently servile. This was most revolting conducl in per-
sons who had all their lives enjoyed 1 li. - favours "I' the man towar.li
Whom some ol' them now acted the pari of .ludas. and Others thai of

* The Kin'/ "f Prussia is a Protestant, Prince Sehwartzenburg a Catholic,
and the Emperor Aloxandei to the Greek communion.

180 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

St. Peter. And yet the Emperor's act of abdication, though signed,
or at least assented to by him, had not appeared. It was not pub-
lished till the 12th.

M. Metternich came to Paris with the Emperor of Austria. They
arrived, I think, on the 14th or 15th of April. Though honoured with
the friendship of M. Metternich, yet I never conversed with him on
the political affairs of the time. I may, therefore, without reserve,
state what I presume to have been his sentiments, as if he were a
stranger to me. I have reason to believe that both he and the Em-
peror of Austria were much disappointed at not having reached Paris
m time to secure the regency to Maria-Louisa, and to make Russia
declare in favour of the Imperial orphan. The Emperor of Austria
experienced, on his entry into Paris, a truly Imperial reception. This
was not intended as a mark of honour to the double eagle : it was an
artful political contrivance for dazzling the Emperor Francis, and
stifling any regrets which might have led him to say: "If my daughter
had been Regent here." But whilst he was lingering on the road
from Dijon, Maria-Louisa, the Empress of the French, became Grand
Duchess of Parma and Placentia. The reception given to the Em-
peror Francis was superb. The passage of carriages or any other
vehicles was prohibited through a great portion of the capital. The
streets were lined with troops and bands of music. In short, it was a
perfect fete. At length the Emperor's act of abdication was made
public. It is simple and noble, and worthy of Napoleon in his most
glorious days : —

"The Allied Powers having proclaimed the Emperor Napoleon to
be the only obstacle to the re-establishment of peace in Europe, the
Emperor Napoleon, faithful to his oath, declares, that he renounces
for himself and his heirs the thrones of France and Italy, and that
there is no sacrifice, even that of life, which he is not ready to make
for the interests of France.

"Given at the Palace of Fontainebleau, April 11th, 1814.

'• Xapoleon."

Berthier, Prince of Neufchatel, sent his adherence to the new gov
eminent, dated the 11th of April. For some time the Emperor had
observed him biting his nails, and absorbed in reverie. He guessed
his intention.

When the Emperor's abdication was made public — when the oath
was annulled, I, in common with many others, began to turn our
thoughts to the fate that awaited our families. M. Metternich, whom

THE EMPEROR ALEXANDER'S VISIT. 481

I had sv.en the day after his arrival, told me that the majorates would
be forfeited, with the exception of those in Illyria and the kingdom of
Italy, — those, in short, under the dominion of Austria. " Mine,"
observed I, "are in Westphalia, Prussia, and Hanover." M. Met
ternich shook his head and said, "I am much afraid that you will lose
them all." But when I showed him the titles of a portion of them,
producing a revenue of about fifty thousand francs, lie said that they
might possibly be restored to me in virtue of my claims, which had
been confirmed by the King of Prussia himself. He referred to the.
territories and castle of Aeken, which had been the personal property
sf the King of Prussia, but ceded by him in three different treaties,
and which he had a right, if he chose, to relinquish. "Assert your
claim," said M. de Metternich, '■ I will use all my influence to support
it, but if you would take my advice, you would first of all appeal for
the protection of the Emperor Alexander. lie has great influence
over the King of Prussia."

I mentioned the business to M. CzernichefF, and expressed my
wish to obtain an audience of the Emperor of Russia. " I will men-
tion your wish," replied M. CzernichefF, "but I doubt whether he will
giant it," added he, laughing. " Why not?" — " I don't know. But I
could lay a wager he will not," he said, still laughing. " His Majesty's
refosal cannot he caused by any very serious fault of mine, since it
appears to afford you so much amusement." Next day M. Czernicheff
brought the answer. "I told you how it would be," said he, "the
Emperor will not receive you at the Elysee." — "Good Heavens!" I
exclaimed, quite surprised and mortified, "what have I done to dis-
please him'?" M. Czernicheff continued speaking, as though he did
not hear me. "He will not receive you at the Elysee, because he
Bays, he, wishes to do himself the honour of coming to see you. These
were his own words, what do you think of them?" — "This kind con-
descension touches me to the very heart," I replied. "Yes," added
M. Czernicheff, " Hi- Majesty wishes to pay a visit t<> the widow of
the man of whom he has so frequently heard and read." He further
added, that, the Kmperor of Russia would be with me next day be
tween twelve and one o'clock, if thai time would be convenient /■< //"'.
I must, confess that I was totalk unprepared for this excess of

Imperial courtesy, and notwithstanding all I had beard the Duke de
Vicenza say of the Emperor Alexander, I scarcely believed that he
would have carried his condescension so far. Next day. about one
o'clock, the Emperor arrived. I then resided in my hotel, in the Rue

(Jes Champa Elysees. He Was alone in an open carriage, and had lull

one servant with him. I hurried to the head of the staircase to receive

70

482 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

him, leading by the hand my little son scarcely three years of age.
\ -• soon as the Emperor saw me, he bowed in recognition of the mis-
tress of the house; then taking my hand, he conducted me into the
apartment with an air of kindness and affability. When we had reached
the inner drawing-room, preceding the billiard-room, I stopped, and
after thanking the Emperor for having come to visit a widow and
her young family, I presented my children to him, who made their
obeisance to His Majesty and withdrew. I then remained alone with
the Emperor of Russia. I found myself quite in a new character : —
that of a petitioner to a foreign Sovereign ! I who had never but
once solicited any thing, even from the Emperor Napoleon. But I
was a mother ! That consideration prompted my suit. " Sire," said
I, '"those children whom your Majesty has just seen, have lost their
father at a very early age. In losing him they lost every thing. They
are reduced to beggary if they forfeit their majorates ; they were the
price of their unfortunate father's blood." Whilst I said this, we
walked up and down the billiard-room and the salo?i. The Emperor
led me to an arm-chair at the side of the fire-place ; he then drew a
small chair in front of me, and seated himself on it. "Sire," said I,
rising, " I cannot possibly suffer your Majesty to sit on that chair." —
"Pray resume your seat, Madame," said he, with a charming smile,
"I prefer sitting here, in order to hear you the more distinctly. You
know I am deaf of one ear." He then again seated himself before
me, and our conversation commenced ; I noted it down as soon as the
Emperor left me.

" Eirst of all," said Alexander, " let me know what is the boon
you have to solicit from me. Explain the affair to me that I may
understand it." I stated my case to him. "The matter appears to
me to be beyond a doubt," said he. " Draw up an explanatory note
of the business, and I will myself give it to the King of Prussia.
Czernicheff shall take charge of this affair by my order, and shall
report to you the result. He is a friend of yours, 1 believe ?" I re-
plied in the affirmative, and added, that I thought him an excellent
man, possessing more merit than most persons were for a long time
willing to give him credit for, because he was a man of fashion and
agreeable manners. " But," said the Emperor, laughing, "1 should
have imagined that in France those were additional claims to favour."
" Sometimes. Sire."

At that moment Alexander directed his eye towards a console, on
which stood a small bronze figuie of the Emperor Napoleon, about
two feet and a half high, and clothed in the Imperial robes. The
Emperor of Russia looked at it for some moments, then turning from

THE DUKE DE KOYIGO. 483

it he remained si'.ent. This silence was embarrassing to us both. At
length Alexander broke it, saying, "One thing which particularly
struck me on my entrance into Paris, was the vast number of per-
sons, especially women and children, in mourning." "Sire," returned
I, "your Majesty would have seen a great many more if all the
widows and orphans in Paris had gone to meet you. As for me and
rny family, I can only say that your Majesty neither saw my widow's
weeds nor the mourning of my children." Alexander took my hand,
and pressing it in a friendly manner, he said, " I know it ; I know it."

Then agahi turning to look at the figure of Napoleon, he said, as
if speaking to himself, "How I loved that man! I do assure you,
Duchess, thit 1 loved him as much — perhaps I may say more — than
any one cf my brothers ; and when he betrayed me, I suffered more
by his treachery than by the war he brought upon me. Would you
believe, Madame, that the officer who brought me the first intelligence
that the Emperor Napoleon had crossed the Vistula was imprisoned
and put into irons? Yes, had Napoleon been willing to maintain the
fraternity of arms and of hearts which subsisted between us at Erfurth,
I confidently believe that we should have rendered Europe the finest
part of the universe." (As he uttered these last words, he rose and
began to walk rapidly up and down the room.) " But Napoleon was
surrounded by a set of men who have ruined him. One of them in
particular — one of them is to me the object of an aversion which 1
can never overcome." He paused — 1 could not venture to question
him. "That man," resumed Alexander, " has committed thousands
of iniquities in the name of Napoleon, for which his unfortunate mas-
ter is now called to account. 1 allude to the Duke de Rovigo!" I
knew he did, ami I was in no way astonished to hear him mention the
name.

Alexander, who had been walking about, now came and resumed
his seat on the chair near me: "One mighl almost suppose thai you
had guessed to whom I alluded." I smiled. L- lias he then behaved
equally ill to his comrades]" — "Not to all of them. Sire: my hits-
band had serious c;inse to complain of him ; but still I am of opinion
that your Majesty has been prepossessed against the Dukede IJovigo.
He has his faults ; but he cannot be accused of wilfully behaving ill
to the Emperor, to whom be is devotedly attached. Your Majesty
has perhaps been misinformed, and — " — " No, no," resumed he, hastily,
"not at all misinformed. I know the truth. The man had the inso-
lence to attempt to introduce his police system into my palace at St.

Petersburgh. To place Bpiea about me. It exceeds all belief; and
then — " [Ie stopped, and appeared to lie struggling to repress his

4S4 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

rage. " Since my arrival in Paris," continued the Emperor, "he lia»
twenty times solicited an audience of me ; but I have constantly
refused to receive him. I understand he intends to ask the Count
d'Artois to see him. Truly the Duke de Rovigo would do well to
recollect Vincennes. He ought also to screen an innocent man from
the odium which belongs to himself; for poor Caulalncourt was at
that time at Strasburgh, and not at Vincennes ; so that he could have
nothing to do with ordering the death of the Duke d'Enghien."

The conversation was now becoming more and more interesting.
I listened with a degree of attention and interest, which must doubt-
less have been visibly depicted in my countenance, for the Emperor's
politeness became more marked. He once more sat down beside me,
for he rose and sat clown by turns. " The Duke de Bassano," con-
tinued he, " is another person who has done the Emperor a great deal
of harm." — " I am sorry to differ from your Majesty," observed I.
" There is no man in France who would more readily lay down his
life for the Emperor than M. de Bassano." — " What matters that, if
he has not served him dutifully V — " Sire, is it not possible that unjust,
perhaps even malignant reports may have reached your Majesty's ear,
and influenced you against the Duke de Bassano? He is an able
statesman, a man of talent and incorruptible integrity. He has been
a martyr to the cause which he served in his youth. He has never
forsaken his principles, and has always been devoted to his country.
These sentiments are innate in him. When M. de Bassano sent his
adherence to the provisional government, it was because he thought
Erance could now only be saved by the general union of her children."

I stopped short, and felt quite astonished at having said so much.
But I could not refrain from speaking the truth in defence of my
friend, and then the affability of the Emperor of Russia divested me
of all fear. His Majesty listened to me attentively, and when I had
ended, he said, " Was the Duke d'Abrantes on very cordial terms of
friendship with the Duke de Bassano ?" — " He was, Sire ; and, besides,
my husband was from the same province as M. de Bassano. They
were both natives of Burgundy, and I may almost add, that they were
brothers in arms !" — " How V — " Because M. de Bassano was never
absent from a single battle in which the Emperor was engaged. He
is a brave man, and has exposed himself to all the dangers of a soldier's
life, without the hope of a soldier's recompense ; for the only reward
he would have gained by having a leg or an arm shot off, would be
not to have the benefit of the Invalides." — Alexander smiled. " Ah !"
resumed he, " 1 did not know he was so brave a man : and General
Savary ? What sort of reputation for courage does he enjoy ?" — " He

Alexander's se- oxd visit. 485

is a very brave man, Sire; I have always heard that admitted even
by my husband, who was not easily pleased on that score." — " Gen-
eral Junot had a glorious military reputation. The Sovereign is
happy who is surrounded by such men. But how happens it, Madame,
that you have not your husband's portrait among your collection of
pictures?" And he looked round with an air of curiosity. — " If your
Majesty wishes to see a portrait of Junot, and a striking likeness of
him, I can show you one. But 1 must request your Majesty to take
the trouble to step into another apartment." I shall never forget the
rapid and gracious manner in which the Emperor rose and offered me
his arm. " Will you be kind enough to show me the way ?" said he.
I led him through the billiard-room, the library, the large cabinet fitted
up in the style of an antique apartment, then through my bed-chamber
into another cabinet, and finally into my little work-room, in which
was the. portrait of Junot.

On his departure the Emperor bowed to me with the easy grace
of a polished gentleman, free from any thing approaching to royal
hauteur. I followed him out of the room, when suddenly turning
round and perceiving me, he said, " Why do you leave the room,
Madame?" We were, by this time, at the head of the staircase.
" Sire," said I, "your Majesty will permit me — " — "I will permit
nothing of the kind. How ! would you wish to see me to my
carriage?" — " Certainly, Sire," replied I smiling; for I was amused
at the astonishment with which he seemed to regard a thing which
appeared to me perfectly a matter of course. — '-See me to my car-
riage \n said the Emperor, smiling in his turn. " Mon Dieu ! What
would be said of me in St. Petersburgh if I allowed myself to be es-
corted by a lady?" — "But we are not in St. Petersburgh, Sire," said
I, "and I entreat that you will permit me to do what I conceive to be
the duty of the mistress of a house towards a Sovereign visitor." — -
"Nay, nay," said the Emperor, taking my hand, and conducting me
back to the door of the drawing-room, "the conquered must submit
to the conqueror,"- -and then hi; added with a charming grace,
"Suppose I command you to stay where you arc'.'"' — •• I am nol your
Majesty's subject, Sire." — " Well, then, you will prevent me paying
you another visit. Surely you will not punish me so far as that?" —
" That fear, Sire, ensures my read) obedience. J will not stir another
step." He tln-u descended tin- staircase, running as if to prevent me
following him.

Some days after the visit of the Emperor Alexander, he called on
mc again one morning. He had given me no intimation of this
intended honour. He cai »n foot, and quite unattended, and was

486 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

dressed in plain clothes, wearing a round hat and a green coat. If
Joseph, my valet-de-chambre, had not happened to recognize him ha
would have been up-stairs and into my work-room before I was aware
of his being in the house.

On this second visit he was even more gracious and communicative
than on the first. Every one must acknowledge the charm of this
sort of affability in a Sovereign : it carries with it a prestige, the
influence of which must be felt by persons of the coldest temperament.*
Besides, in 1814, Alexander was really great. Yes, the term great
may truly be applied to the man who, having the cup of revenge
within his reach, averts the delicious beverage from his lips. This is
being something superior to human nature ! On this occasion Alex-
ander spoke to me of Napoleon. He had abdicated, and his fate was
sealed. " Have you seen the Duke de Vicenz^ V inquired Alexan-
der, with an expression which I could not but rerr ark. " I have, Sire."
— " I am glad to hear it. But how had you the courage to do so 1
It would have been very well a month ago, but within the last fort-
night .... !" — " Because I had heard him less talked about within the
last fortnight. I therefore called on the old friend of my childhood ;
him whom I so long called my brother." The Emperor Alexander
approached me, took my hand and pressed it, then, after a pause, he
said, " You did right, very right. 1 assure you again, on my word of
honour as a Sovereign, that the Duke de Vicenza is perfectly innocent
of the crime with which he is charged !" This was the second time
the Emperor Alexander had spoken to me with great warmth on the
same subject.

Our conversation next turned on Paris, and the persons who had
been most conspicuous in the Imperial court, especially the ladies.
He spoke of Madame Ney, and the Empress Josephine. He seemed
very curious to hear what I had to say of the latter ; and frequently
brought the conversation back to her, though I constantly endeavoured
to let it drop. At length he said, with a good-humoured smile, " I
almost think you are afraid of me." — " By no means, Sire ! your
Majesty's kindness renders that quite impossible. But you must be
aw-are, that on such a subject, I feel myself bound to be silent." He
appeared to reflect for a few moments, and then he said, " You
are right ! This is the second lesson you have given me. I thank
you."

Our conversation then changed to another subject. The Emperor

* Madame de Sevigne" gives a proof of this feeling in the letter in which she
mentions having danced with the King.

ALEXANDER PROMISES HIS INFLUENCE. 487

spoke of our theatres, our museums, with which he was highly
delighted ; and he declared that the magnificent city of Paris had not
its equal in the whole world. "My stony city," said he, "(ma ville
de pierre) will also be a splendid place one day or other. You mu-st
come and see it ; say you will ; I am sure you would like St. Peters-
burgh ; and we will give you a welcome reception. Then you can tell,
on your return, that we are not quite such savages as we are said to
be." I was deeply touched by these words, which he uttered with the
most unaffected kindness of manner. He next spoke of the state of
my affairs, and asked me in what circumstances Junot had left his
family. 1 replied, " Without any fortune." — " How ! and Napoleon
. . . ." — " It was not in his power to do any thing, Sire. He was in
Champagne at the time of Junot's death, and his attention was en-
grossed by matters of greater import than mak.ng a provision for us."
— " But your maj orates ? Prince Metternich is your friend." Ho
paused for a moment, and then continued — " It is his duty to protect
you and your family." — "Our majorates, Sire, are in Prussia and in
Hanover ; consequently M. Metternich can do nothing in the business.
He is my friend, and I will not be so unjust as to accuse him of in-
difference. I will not myself solicit his intervention with Prussia : it
is yours I should wish to have, Sire." The Emperor smiled. " Mine ?
Well, so be it. Czernicheff has begun the business, and he shall follow
it up." I courtesied ; and he added with charming grace, " Let it be
understood. He shall arrange the business with the King of Prussia
in my name. Will that satisfy you ?" — " The widow of Junot can
wish for nothing more when she has such an advocate for her children."

A flood of tears prevented me from saying more. Alexander
took my hand, (an English custom, which he had contracted, and
which I at first thought very strange,) and said : — " Would it be
inconvenient or unpleasant to you to have another lodger in your
house % In the hotels near the Elysee, which have extensive suites
of apartments, there is none but yours that has the ground-floor
unoccupied. I wish you could receive Lord Cathcart, the English,
ambassador to me, and allow me to mention, thai you are to provide
nothing but lodging-room, either for Lord Cathcart or his attendants.
Ilis lordship is ;i man of agreeable and gentlemanly manners, and
his presence here will be a protection to you. Besides, as I shall
sometimes have occasion to come to call on him, I may at the same
time take the opportunity of visiting his hostess, so thai I shall hear
whether he gives her any reason to complain."

Such was the conduct of the Emperor of Russia In 1814. I will
here subjoin an anecdote of the sanie period, which may serve as a

488 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

pendanl to the above. I had gone out one day to take an airing.
On my return home I found my servants in a state of great alarm
mid consternation. My valet-de-chambre informed me that an officer
of the staff of the Prince Royal of Sweden, accompanied by some
Others, had called about an hour before my return. They had taken
a survey of the house from the cellar to the very uppermost rooms.
On being informed that one of the Emperor of Russia's officers
lodged in the apartments, looking to the garden, the Swedish officer
said, with an insolent air, " Well, he must remove." — "But," said
Joseph, " where are we to put him, if you dislodge him ?" — " Is
there not an apartment adjoining the billiard-room which we just
passed through?" — "That is my mistress's apartmenu" said Joseph,
indignantly. " And pray, who is your mistress?" said the officer, in
a jeering, impertinent tone. Joseph was greatly irritated. He had
been with Junot in the campaigns of Egypt and Italy. To see our
enemies in France deeply mortified him; to see them in Paris nearly
broke his heart ; but to be insulted by them in his master's house
was more than he could possibly endure. Directing a look of the
most consummate contempt at the Swedish officer, he replied, "The
mistress of this house is the widow of a man, at the mention of
whose name Frenchmen and foreigners should raise their hats and
bow with respect. (The officer had kept on his hat.) He was Gen-
eral Junot, the Duke d'Abrantes. If he were now living, and Gover-
of Paris, you would not have been allowed to enter it."

The officer replied to this only by a shrug of the shoulders, and
continued to make out his list of quarters, marking the different
rooms, as is customary in a conquered city. This chamber was for
the colonel, that for the general, &c. " I tell you once more," said
my valet-de-chambre, " that this is my mistress's apartment." — " 1
must obey my orders." — " And who ordered you to come here ?" —
" His Royal Highness the Prince of Sweden."

The officers took their departure. I returned home shortly after,
and my valet-de-chambre related to me what had occurred. My first
impulse is always impetuous ; and I flew to my desk and wrote the.
following note : —

" Monseigxeur, — The allied troops occupy Paris. I have re-
ceived no offence from the officers or their inferiors, of any rank
whatever. I must confess that it appears to me as strange as it is
vexatious, that I should have experienced the first insult just at the
time your Royal Highness arrived in Paris. Feeling assured that it
oannot be by your orders that any house (hitherto respected by all

bernadotte's VISIT TO PARIS. 489

parties) should be violated by any of your officers, 1 complain of
what has taken place to-day, in the hope that you will make me a
suitable apology."

About an hour after my letter had been delivered at the hotel of
the Prince Royal of Sweden, in the Rue d'Anjou-Saint-Honore, I
received a visit from his first aide-de-camp, Count Brahe. lie made
me a very handsome apology on the part of the Prince of Sweden.
and assured me that His Royal Highness and the persons of his
household were totally ignorant of the intrusion and annoyance to
which I had been exposed, in his name. I was charmed with the
politeness and elegant manners of Count Brahe, who seemed to have
been brought up in the same school of good breeding with M.
Metternich.

Few persons could comprehend what was Bernadotte's object in
coining to Paris at that time; still less could they understand his
eagerness to hurl Napoleon from his throne. There was then no
chance of a republic as on the 18th Brumaire. But though General
Bernadotte had forsaken France he still loved her. His rank, as
Prince Royal, had only made him change his opinion. Being no
longer a republican he was become a royalist. The Princess of
Sweden used to complain bitterly of the ennui of the frigid and
gloomy court of Sweden, which was never excited, except to shoot
kings at masked balls. On hearing the Princess make these com-
plaints, M. de Talleyrand used to say, "But really, Madame, this is
very well for a beginning." Bernadotte thought so too. But the
beginning had unfortunately become the end, since the downfall of
the great European Colossus, and Bernadotte looked fondly back to
his native country, lie offered to His Royal Highness, Monsieur,
who had just arrived in Paris, his services in putting down the differ-
ent factions which might still exist in the army, over which Ins name
mighl \it have some influence. To effect this object, he conceived it
would he requisite to lie invested with some imposing title, such as

Generalissimo of the Forces, or Lieutenant-General of the Kingdom
— the latter, it is true, was the title which Monsieur himself held;
but he thought it might he rendered more practically useful when
possessed by Bernadotte. The latter, therefore, consented to abandon

the government of his own states, and to remain a year in France, if

necessary.

The proposition of the Prince Royal of Sweden was made to
Count d'Artois ; but after a \er\ brief consideration, his Royai
Highness was informed that the sooner he regained his own army

490 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the better. This was the reason of that sudden departure which left
the Princess unprotected and a prej to the unfortunate attachnicmi
which she conceived for a man, who was certainly the very last
person in the world who might have been expected to play the part
of a romantic lover.

At this time I was in the habit of seeing Prince Metternich
o\ ery day. He frequently called on me in the morning, and almost
always took tea with me in the evening. He was extremely fearful
of being suspected of interfering in the affairs of France. In refer-
ence to this subject, I may relate a circumstance which took place
before my departure from Paris, at the time when Louis XVIII. was
forming his ministry. Lord Wellington had been in Paris for some
days, before he learned that I also was there, and that I was residing
very near him. He called on me, and I was much pleased and inter
ested by his conversation. I have already mentioned that Lord
Wellington was highly esteemed by the Duke d'Abrantes, who had
imbued me with the same favourable opinion of him, and I was the
friend of Lord Wellington, though the enemy of the English General.
His lordship resided at the Hotel de la Reyniere, which belonged to
Ouvrard. "I have come to beg your kind reception of a new lodger,1'
said Lord Wellington to me one day. " I allude to Lord Cathcart."
— " He cannot fail to be welcome, my lord," said I, " since the Em-
peror Alexander has introduced him. But I shall see what sort of
person he is." Lord Cathcart came the same morning. As soon as
he arrived, he sent to say he wished to speak with me. When he
entered, he requested, in the most polite terms, that I would permit
him to reside in my house. His manners were those of a polished
man of rank, and I saw at once that I should have every reason to
congratulate myself on having him quartered beneath my roof.
Next morning he took possession of the suite of apartments on the
ground floor. They consisted of four drawing-rooms, a spacious
gallery, two small billiard-rooms, and a large cabinet, which might
easily be converted into a bed-chamber. This was the suite of apart-
ments in which I used to receive company. They looked to the
gardens. There was also a bathing-room attached to them. I as-
signed to Lord Cathcart's use a great portion of my stables. They
had become useless to me since the death of my husband ; for I kept
only four carriage horses and a saddle horse. Lord Cathcart assured
me that he would be answerable for his servants committing no de
predations, and I must, in justice, say, that they were extremely well
behaved and quiet.

My house was soon entirely filled. The apartments on the first

GENERAL AND LADY COLE. 491

floor, looking to the garden, were occupied by General and Lady
Cole. They occasioned no inconvenience to me ; but there was a
great difference between them and Lord Cathcart. This difference
extended even to their servants, which I discovered at my cost.*
Lady Cole was a very pleasing woman, and the General was a true
model of an English country gentleman. Lady Cole often came to
take tea with me in the evening. On one of these occasions she told
me that she had a favour to ask of me: — "A young lady, an intimate
friend of mine," said she, " is very anxious to see Paris. Her rela-
tions will entrust her to my care ; but if I take charge of her she
must reside with me. How can I manage this unless you grant me
permission ?" I assured her that I was most ready to do every thing
in my power to oblige her, but that I could not render the walls of
my house elastic. It was already completely fdled by Lord Cathcart,
the General, and herself, my own household, my brother, and my
uncles, the Prince and the Abbe Comnenus. '; But she can sleep in
the great divan in the boudoir," said Lady Cole, " if you have no
objection." I gave my consent, though 1 was certain that my divan
would be destroyed. But how could I refuse ? " Well, since 1 have
your consent, my young friend shall come to-morrow. Her brother
is aide-de-camp to Lord Wellington, and he will himself thank you
for your hospitality to his sister."

The young lady had been in Paris since the previous day ; but
Lady Cole had very politely declined bringing her until she had
obtained my consent. When she introduced me to her I was struck
with her beauty. Her fine fresh complexion, her beautiful fair hair,
and her soft blue eyes, produced altogether that youthful appearance
which is found only among English women. It is the same with the
English children. They are always prettier than any others. A
child may have a white and red Complexion; fair curled hair; it may
be dressed in a white frock, with pink or blue sash ; all this makes a
pretty child — but still it is not like an English child. It is the same
with tie young jjirls of England. Lady Cole's young friend pleased
meat first sight, and the hospitality which I had granted, as a favour
to Lnd\ Cole, became a Bource of gratification t<> myself. This

* There were in my boudoir, which adjoined my bed-chamber, four mini]
landscapes painted on vellum. They might '"• called miniatures, being onlj
fifteen inches by twenty-two. They had been given to me by my brother-in
law, M. '!•• G-eouffre, and I vain.-. I them on account of their beauty, and as n
pledge of friendship. I presume thai some of the servants of Lady Cole had
taken a fancv to them; for the 'lav after her departure, wbon the apaitmeuti
were being "• ' in order, the) (v<re nowhere i" be found

i.92 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

young lady was Mi<s Eliza Bathurst, a relation of the English Secre-
tary of the War Department. She was not only pretty and agree*
ble, but she possessed considerable talents and accomplishments.
Alas! I little tnought that the lovely flower with which I was sc
highly charmed would be so early blighted ! Some time after her
visit to Paris, she accompanied her mother to Rome. It wras at the
time the Duke de Laval was our ambassador there. One day Miss
Bathurst, with a party of friends, were riding on horseback along the
banks of the Tiber. The weather was delightful. They were admir-
ing the clear blue sky and the brilliant sun, which spreads a sort of
magical glory over the Campagna di Roma. Suddenly Miss Ba-
thurst's horse took fright. She endeavoured to rein him in. The
animal darted off, and plunged, with his rider, into the Tiber, where
the young lady perished. I was deeply shocked on hearing this
event, when I recollected the many attractive and amiable qualities
of Miss Bathurst. Her brother, Lord Wellington's aide-de-camp,
was a very fine young man. In person he resembled his sister. I
do not know what has become of him.

One day M. Metternich called on me and said, " Will you promise
not to laugh at a gentleman whom I wish to introduce to you ?" —
' That must depend on what sort of a person he is. You know I am
very apt to laugh. But tell me who he is." — " He is a friend of
mine. He is not at all handsome ; I tell you that beforehand. And
to convince you of that fact, I may infirm you that he goes by the
name of the '■Monster Prince? " — "Surely you are joking!" — "I am
not indeed. He has another name, it is true. His real name is
Wenzel Lichtenstein. His brother, Prince Moritz Lichtenstein, has
also requested me to introduce him to you, which, writh your per-
mission, I will do. The two brothers are very unlike each other.
Pray behave well when you see Wenzel."

Prince Wenzel Lichtenstein was certainly the most ugly man I ever
beheld in my life. He was the very perfection of ugliness. One
might imagine he was endowed with this perfection by a fairy, as
others are said to have been endowed with beauty. Nothing was
wanting to complete it. Even his voice was the very strangest that
can be imagined. I must confess that when I first saw him, I was
perfectly petrified. "Well," said Metternich, the next time he called
on me, '• what do you think of him ?" — " That he is by no means
handsome. That is very certain. Poor fellow ! He must be very
unhappy if he is tenderhearted." I made the same remark to another
friend who happened to call upon me that same day. " I beg your
pardon," said he, " you are quite mistaken. Prince Wenzel, ugly

THE "MONSTER prince.'' 493

as he is, has made his conquests." — "Impossible!" I exclaimed,
"unless he happened to meet with a woman as frightful as himself"
— "By no means. The lady whose affections he won, was very
pretty. The affair made some noise not long since at Vienna."
The gentleman who gave me these particulars mentioned Prirresa

; I was confounded. I was assured that Prince Wenzel hi 1

had several such adventures ; and that he had now become so confident
that he never doubted his success with any woman. " Have a care
of yourself!" said my friend, who had made me thus far acquainted
with the secret biography of the Monster Prince. " Upon my word,"
replied I, " you are right to put me on my guard ; for he must possess
infinite powers of seduction to have rendered himself agreeable toanv
woman."

CHAPTER L.

Letter from Fontainebleau — M. Corvisart — Visit to Malmaison — fosephine'i
Borrow — My opinion of Maria-Louisa — Josephine's projects— Future Duchess
of Navaro — Approaching departure of Napoleon for Elba — Augereau's pro-
clamation— The Emperor leaves France — Commissioners who a< mpany

him — General Bertrand — Arrival of the Duke de Berry — Louis XVIIL —
The Count d'Artoia — The Duke de Berry — Dangerous excess of joy — Re-
ception of Louis Will, in London — He is invested with the order of the
Garter — French and English deputations — Delight of the people of England
— Cardinal Maury's mysterious visit — Scene in the Archiepiecopal chapel.

I received a letter from Foutainebleau, written in a strain of unre
served confidence. The Emperor was very ill. The poison he had
taken had not been productive of the effect he expected from it. but
had proved highly injurious to his health. It is worthy of remark,
as illustrative of the bad faith of the newspapers of the period, that

not one of them made, die slightest allusion to this poisoning. 'I'ln'
Gazette de France, of t lie 14th of April, 1814, says, "The day on
which Napoleon was to sign his abdication, he found on his table a
packet containing the conditions of the abdication, and likewise a
pistol." '• Ah." -aid the Emperor, "they wish to counsel me; hut

thev shall learn that I follow no advice bul my own.'1

Be this as it may, In- was seriously ill. and M. Cnrvisart's

attentions stood him in the utmost Btead, The attention with which
he watched over him was only equalled by his assiduous skill !

£94 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

saw Corvisarl at this period: ihe tears were starting from the eyes
of a man whose firmness of character was never known to falter!
And yet he bent before this gigantic misfortune which never had its
parallel in vicissitude! He never dwelt but with sorrow on what
was taking place at Fontainebleau. I loved Corvisart as a man who
had saved my life; but since this period of 1814, I have loved him
for the exalted qualities which he then unfolded to view.

The letter I received from Fontainebleau entered into much detail
respecting the preparations for the Emperor's departure. When I
heard of it, though never expecting he would accept ^>f the plan which
I had proposed for his adoption,* I relied at least on a verbal answer.
The Duke of Rovigo afterwards told me that ne had not delivered
my letter. I am unable to vouch for the truth ^f this assertion. I
went to Malmaison the day after receiving the letter from Fontaine-
bleau. I knew the Empress Josephine to be extremely uneasy
respecting the passing occurrences, and she could not fail to set a
high value on any intelligence derived from the spot. It was early
when I arrived, and the Empress was still in her bedroom. I repaired
to Madame d'Audenarde's apartment, and begged she would inquire
of her Majesty whether I might see her before breakfast. My name
was no sooner mentioned to the Empress than she desired I should
be admitted. She was still in bed, and stretching out her arms as
soon as she saw me, she burst into tears, and exclaimed, " Alas,
Madame Junot, Madame Junot !"

I was deeply affected at the meeting. I knew how sincerely she
was attached to the Emperor; and at this moment every reproach
she had to make was cast into shade by the heavy misfortune which
oppressed him. I could read her feelings, and this burst of deep
affliction found in my heart the most congenial sympathy. Mingling
my tears with hers, I told her what I felt. The sight, alas ! of this
dwelling reminded me of such pleasing recollections now buried in
the tomb ! My heart was broken ! I wept with the afflicted Princess,

* This plan was sr mewhat singular and believed to have arisen solely in the
ardent mind of Madame d'Abrantes. She told Savary, Duke de Rovigo, that
ihe should write a letter to Napoleon, who was yet at Fontainebleau, proposing
to him to come to her house incognito ; and that at the expected second visit to
her of the Emperor Alexander, he should suddenly present himself to the Auto-
crat, and demand of him protection for his son, Napoleon II. ; that she knew
the high opinion and affection Alexander entertained for the Emperor, and she
•was sure that he would listen to him, and exert his powerful interest with the
other Sovereigns to secure the nomination of a Regency to act for the son.
Savary undertook to leliver this letter, but, as appears b}T the sequel, he was a
traitor in all things.

INTERVIEW "WITH JOSEPHINE. 495

and my tears were more bitter than her own, for they flowed over a
sorrow which d ath had occasioned, whereas she had still hope. The
hundred days have proved how reasonably she could indulge it.

When I told her of my having received a letter from Fontaine-
bleau, she said to me, with an eagerness she had never displayed on
any former occasion, " O ! I beseech you, do read me that letter ;
read the whole of it; I .desire to know every tiling.'''' The contents
were very painful for Josephine's heart, as many passages related to
the King of Rome and to Maria-Louisa. "What think you of that
.voman V said the Empress Josephine, looking at me with a remark-
able expression of countenance. "I, madam ! What I have always
thought ; that such a woman should never have crossed the frontiers
of France; I say so from the bottom of my heart." — " Indeed !" said
Josephine, fixing on me her eyes bathed in tears, but smiling at the
idea that I shared her opinion.

I repeated the expression, adding that I did so not to gratify the
Empress Josephine, but because such was my opinion. \nd I think
so still, at the present day, after the lapse of twenty-two years.
"Madame Junot," said the Empress Josephine. "1 have a great mind
to write to Napoleon. Would you know the reason ? I wish he
would permit my accompanying him to the island of Elba, if Maria-
Louisa should keep away. Do you think she will follow him?" —
"Quite the contrary ; she is incapable of doing so." — "But it' the
Emperor of Austria should send to Napoleon his wife and child, as
indeed he ought to do?" — (Josephine, it may be seen, was not much
skilled in politics.) "I am very anxious to know whether thai will
be the case ; and you, Madame Junot" (she always called me thus),
"may be useful to me in this emergency." — " How so. madam?" — ■
"By putting the question to M. de Metternich; he is a friend of
yours; you often see him; nothing can be more easy than to ask
him." — -Your Majesty is quite mistaken. M. de Metternich is no
doubl a greal friend of mine; 1 often see him; bul when he arrived
at I'aru he told me, thai ifhe called to indulge in mj societj a short
relaxation from the fatigue of his occupations, he beseeched that I
would never speak to him again upon matters respecting which he

could not even give me a reply. In a word, he made me pr ise I

should never mention any political act to him."

The Empress did nol seem displeased al my refusal; she was
kind-hearted, and knew how incapable I was of refusing her through
any sinister motive. She merely shed tears, and said thai my
grounds of objection were a fresh Bource of sorrow to her. "I am
bssel with misfortune,'" added Bhe, bur n into tears. I then

496 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

obseived to her that the Emperor's consent that she should go to the
island of Elba was more than doubtful. She seemed astonished.
'• Why should he refuse it?" — " Because his sisters will assuredly go
there, as well as Madame Mere. Let your Majesty recollect all you
have suffered when seated on the throne of France, in the Imperial
palace of the Tuileries, when strong in the title of the Emperor's
consort; if when you were sovereign, madam, the Emperor's sisters
could disturb your repose, what might they not do at the present
day?" The Empress fell into a deep meditation, a circumstance of
rare occurrence. "I think you are in the right," she at last said to
me ; "I think you are right." She remained for some time with her
head resting upon her hand. On a sudden she raised it, and said to
me, " Have you seen the Count d'Artoisf — "No, madam." — "You
have, then, never heard anything said respecting mef — "Absolutely
nothing." — " Madame Junot, you are deceiving me." — " I assure
your Majesty, on my word of honour, that 1 am not." — " I hear that
it is intended to deprive me of the title of Majesty, and to compel
my assuming the name and title of Duchess of Navarre." I repeated
my assertion, that I knew nothing whatever.

The ruling desire in Josephine's mind, at this moment, was to
retain the title of Majesty : I even think she had already made this
request to the Emperor of Russia, though she assured me she had not
yet mentioned the subject to him. She was greatly agitated; her face
was the colour of scarlet, and I could perceive in her physiognomy
that the various recent occurrences had made a deep impression upon
her. It is well known that she had become very corpulent; she had
lost her slender figure ; her features were altered ; she was divested
of that elegance which had once made her the most fascinating female
of Paris and of her court. All that was left to her was a dignified
deportment, and great elegance of manners, and especially of dress.
This was always the important point with her.

It was very late when I left Malmaison for Paris, and I did not
reach home till near six o'clock. I found another letter, which, in
fact, announced to me the Emperor's departure as fixed for the fol-
lowing day ; but a circumstance which would have been painful to the
Empress Josephine, had she known it, was, that on the same day on
which she delighted in recalling to her mind the visit of the Emperor
of Russia, he had gone with the Emperor of Austria to dine with
Maria-Louisa at Rambouillet. I. learnt this on my return. Maria-
Louisa appeared resigned and indifferent to her fate ; Madame de
Montesquieu was to accompany her, in order not to quit her pupil —
happily, as we hoped, for the future prospects of France.

DEPARTURE FROM FONTAINEBLEATT. 407

Yes, Napoleon was on the eve of his departure! he was quitting
that France which he had rendered so happy and so glorious; he was
quitting it as an outlaw ! How dreadful was that moment for us all,
who had loved and still loved him, even though he had broken our
hearts! Yes, I fearlessly declare it, he was still an object of adora-
tion to all those whose homage he had a right to claim.

What must he not have felt on learning that Ney had given a mag-
nificent breakfast to the Emperor of Russia, and that he wept at the
kindness of his royal guest! What were Napoleon's feelings on read-
ing the act of adhesion, the proclamation of Marshal Augereau ! of a
man who had never forgiven him the bridge of Arcole, and who now
in his proclamation to his soldiers had the audacity to pen and to
commit to the press — to his eternal shame, I may venture to assert
it — this insolent phrase which was so insulting to the nation itself.

After admitting that Louis XVIII. was the beloved sovereign
wished for in the secret aspirings of Augereau himself, he added :
"Soldiers, you are released from your oaths, by the very abdication
of a man, who, after having sacrificed millions of victims to his cruel
ambition, had not the courage to die the death of the soldier."

All was anxiety at the Tuileries until the Emperor should have
quitted France. This colossus of greatness, whose mere looks had
so long been an object of terror, exercised an influence even in his
downfall. The rays of his glory, though now displayed in a less
elevated region, continued to dazzle the pigmies whose short sight
could not resisl the brilliancy of his sun. It was not enough that he
should have fallen, he must be crushed — his removal was no secu-
rity— they longed for his death. At last he took his departure. The
immortal picture of Horace Vernet, which represents the moment of
Napoleon quitting his faithful guards in the White Horse Court of the
palace, renders superfluous all description of this scene .... The hero
and his lofty soul are faithfully portrayed in that admirable produc-
tion. Nothing can he more eloquent than the pencil which could
read and give animation to the hearl of this great man!*

The Emperor quitted Fontainebleau on the 20th of April, escorted
like a prisoner, by commissioners from all the allied powers. Eng«

land was represented by Colonel Campbell, Russia by General Si hu-
waloil" Austria by General Koller, Prussia by M. ^'- Schack, and

* When the Emperor pat "'1 in review, in the great court of the palace, the
troops that had been faithful, and were concentred at Fontainebleau, he w:i«,
as itinv l"' suppo ed, \ cry much affected: be said to the officer who oarrii d H>«
colours "Asloannol take leave personally of all mj friends who surround dm
at this moment, I embrace tin o colours, and bid them an eternal adieu."

71

iOS NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

France by I know not whom; the escort of foreign troops amounted
to fifteen hundred men.

The 20th of April, then, was the day that the Emperor quilted
Fontainebleau, which he was to revisit on the 20th of March follow-
ing. The suite of the Emperor was too considerable, and *he escort
too numerous, to allow of rapid travelling ; he had only reached
Montargis late on the same day. General Bertrand was alone with
the Emperor in his carriage. On that morning, piquets of cavalry
and escorts had reconnoitred the road. Well-founded fears were
entertained. Had the Emperor uttered a word, a civil war would
have been kindled, and perhaps not twenty thousand of the allied
troops would have escaped out of France. Napoleon's carriage was
drawn by six horses ; it was immediately followed by a special troop
of cavalry, consisting of twenty-five men ; then came the Generals,
the French, Prussian, Austrian, Russian, and English Commissioners,
with their long train of carriages, also drawn by six horses. The
Emperor's baggage followed, but not sufficient to fill sixty carriages,
as it has been asserted in many newspapers. They amounted to
twenty at most — a remarkable circumstance was, that a part of the
guard was cantoned in the country, and under arms ; but they had
been enjoined, many days before, not to give the slightest indication
of pity towards their fallen master. The least movement might have
occasioned his death! ! The guard maintained a profound silence; it
was dejected and broken in spirits, and many of their numbers shed
tears whilst on duty. The Emperor was calm and serene. He bowed
with that wonted smile so peculiar to him, and which so brightened
up his countenance. He perhaps showed himself a greater man on
that day, than at moments when he stood before the admiring world.
He was then surrounded by a devoted body of men — the least sign
of his small hand, and thousands of swords would have been drawn
from their scabbards ! But he suppressed every feeling ! On the
night of Napoleon's passing Montargis, he slept at the castle of Briare ;
this was the 23d of April. He then continued his journey towards
Saint Tropez and Orgon.

But we must now bestow our attention to the events which were
taking place at Paris, under our own eyes, and engrossing the public
mind. The day on which Napoleon quitted the castle of Fontaine-
bleau as a prisoner, the Duke de Berry arrived at Paris, and Louis
X VIII. made that royal entrance into London, which he had assuredly
never meditated in his most sanguine dreams.

I have almost exclusively devoted these Memoirs to Napoleon and
bis family, because I was familiar from infancy with whatever was

THE count d'artois. 499

personal to them ; but by a somewhat singular accident, I am simi-
larly circumstanced with regard to Louis XVIII. and his family. My
life has passed, and I still live, in habits of intimacy with persons who
were not only attached to the household of the Count de Provence,
but who are closely allied to him by the ties of consanguinity and of
the closest intercourse. Previously to the return to France of Louis
XVIII., I knew every minute particular concerning him, and could
contribute to his biography some features which are perhaps yet un-
known. Cardinal Maury had had an opportunity of examining very
minutely Louis XVIII., and he left me various notes respecting him,
which are the more valuable, as the King was almost a stranger to the
generation he now found at his return; he was only known to us by
a doubtful tradition, and there was nothing to his advantage in the
accounts we received of him. The Count d'Artois was also, for
France, a new personage. " The Count d'Artois," said the Duke de
Mouchy, M. de Laigle, and a crowd of our fashionables of the period
intervening before the Revolution of 1814, "is a delightful man; he
is elegance itself; a charming prince, and will be the very oracle of
fashion !" Next followed a long account of all the hearts which the
Count d'Artois had immolated,* a detail of overpowering interest
respecting the importance of Madame de Polignac, the despair of
Madame de Gontaud. In short, there was really something to expect
from a Prince, who, whilst breaking every heart, could spread so
much happiness. It was in the midst of a conversation which chanced
to dwell on the amours of the Count d'Artois, that two persons who
knew him well, gave me an insight into his true character. The illu-
sion immediately vanished — nothing was left to admire in him except
his good nature; we might add to it the most accomplished manners,
and even a species of worldly wit which might be worthy of admira-

* Madame de Lawestinc, as is well known, wns the daughter of Madame de
Genlis, and sister of the amiable, witty, and good-natured Madame de Valence.
I 'resented at the court of Louis XVI., and possessing unrivalled beauty, Madame
de Laweel ine immediately found herself aimed at by a crowd of men who Bought

to win heraffeel ions. Bui the ( loiint d'Artois no sooner saw Madame de I.uwesl ine,

than he determined to take the lead, and placing himself near her, he spoke t<>
her with great warmth, but in a low voice. Every one else then withdrew, and
left Madame de Lawesl ine alone with the Prii The young I : i • 1 \ soon per-
ceived her isolated situation. She addree ed the Couni d'Artois in a loud tone
of voice, as follows: " Your Royal Higbne - is perhaps not aware that I have
the misfortune of being deaf If you would condescend to speak louder, nil
would benefit, and I in particular, l>y the conversation." The son of this lady
is a General in the French service; he distinguished him elf at the luge "'
Antwerp, and \» attached to the military household of Louis Philippe.

500 NAPOLEON", HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

tion in 1780, but which, in 1814, and especially in 1830, nearly caused
the ruin of France, since he was not adequate to bear the weight of
the empire.

The Duke de Berry was called the descendant of Henry IV. Poot
Henry IV., he is ever at hand to be used as a point of comparison.
This adulation was distributed with due reference to the peculiarity
of disposition. The Duke d'Angouleme descended from Saint Louis,
because of his devotion — the Duke de Berry from Henry IV., because
of his worldly passions — and the Count d'Artois from Francis I.,
because he had been a man of consummate gallantry five-and-twenty
years before. How entertaining !

With respect to Louis XVIII., he was really a superior man. His
ideas, when he first arrived in France, were framed upon a compre-
hensive scale, and rested upon a broad foundation ; witness the con
stitutional charter. I will not probe the inmost heart, or enact a
more rigid account from the tomb, than what it has disclosed to my
view. In Louis XVIU., I have beheld a man of vast capacity, of pro-
found wisdom, and of a deep knowledge of men. I have often been
closeted with him in a private audience. On one occasion in particu-
lar, I remained with him for three-quarters of an hour, and have
assuredly never repented paying close attention to his words. Nothing
was to be lost by his conversation. He spoke with consummate
talent, and would read the characters of men. He was devoid of every
kind feeling, if we are to judge from the opinions of those who were
about him, and to presume the sincerity of such a circle. Louis
XVIII. was deeply learned. Like all princes, he was gifted with an
extraordinary memory, but in a higher degree than any one else. To
affections he was not insensible ; but he was a stranger to any deep
settled friendship for those to whom he was attached.

When Louis XVIII. heard the news that the crown of France was
decreed to him, he was wellnigh yielding it up. He felt such an in-
ward revolution within him, that he fainted away, and was for a short
time seriously ill from excess of joy. This particular was made
known to me by a person who had long resided near Hartwell. It
was perhaps deemed conducive to the dignity of Louis XVIII. to con-
ceal this fact, which is nevertheless incontrovertible.

The new situation of the King of France became no sooner known,
than fhe deportment of the Prince Regent of England towards him
altertd on a sudden ; for in spite of all that has been said to the con
trary, his royal demeanour in his intercourse with a brother sovereign
was more than familiar, a circumstance which I learned from thosa
who had assuredly no interest in perverting the truth.

INTERVIEW WITIf CARDINAL MAURY 501

Cardinal Maury had been to me a perfect enigma during the whole
of this period. He had written to me several singular letters ; and when
the address of the Chapter was delivered to him, and the Abbe Dartros
was again in power, I presumed that he might need consolation, and I
was not deceived. He prepared to go to Italy, and his uneasiness rela-
tive to the treatment which the court of Rome had in reserve for him
was very visible. He wrote one day, requesting to see me, but expressed
a great wish fur secrecy. " I entreat," said he in his letter, " that no-
body may know of your visit. — This is the reason why I do not come
to you." I was altogether astonished at this mystery. Nevertheless,
I complied with the Cardinal's desire, and being arrived at the great
gate of Notre Dame, I went into the church; and after Derforming
my devotions, issued by the little red door, and entered the archiepis-
jopal precincts, where the Cardinal lodged before his departure for
Italy. His eminence awaited me in the chapel, whither I was con-
ducted by his valet-de-chambre. I confess that this mystery and these
precautions amused me infinitely.

The archiepiscopal chapel, which had been constructed by Cardinal
Fesch, during his short episcopacy, was very peculiar in form ; its
situation in the garden, surrounded by flowers, gave it an aspect
always very touching to me when 1 have attended divine service
therein. I knelt down on entering, and said a prayer ; I then advanced
towards the Cardinal, who, seated on one of the arm-chairs which
stood before the balustrade, seemed neither praying nor reflecting.
His countenance was peculiar : he gazed on me, but made no motion
even for me to advance : J felt some trepidation. I, however, went
10 him. '• Your Eminence has desired to see me," said I; "I attend
your orders." He Started, gazed on mc anew and then said, "You
are kind to come. But I knew you would. You know how to be the
friend of those, who are no longer fortunate. Is it not so?" His
large forehead contracted itself, whilst his little eyes glared in their
orbits, and his voice became tremulous. " Will you serve me I" said
he at length, fixing on me a singular glance. " Undoubtedly, if I can.
But my influence is very slight. In what, can I be of use to you '
'You might save me!'' said he in a low voice, looking meanwhile
round the chapel, like a man who dreads to encounter a spy. "Save
you, Monseigneur ?" — "Yes; listen to me. I am certain thai at
Rome the) wanl to impose on me a rude penance. They will per-
haps seek to shul me up in a cloister ; bul I will not go there. No!
by all the fiends," cried he, forgetting hi- caution, " the) shall not
have me living! I will entertain no more fear of Gonsalvi, than for*

rneily I did of that silly Duke d'Aiguillon." He was red as his Cas

502 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

sock, and appeared beside himself. I regarded him with astonishmer.t
and perceived not in what way I could be useful to him. He soon
told me. "This court of Rome, which imagines itself of some con-
sequence, because the Pope is recognised by schismatical and Protes-
tant sovereigns, fancies it can still act as at the time when the imbeciles
condemned Galileo. But they are deceived ; and I will employ the
credit of a schismatic in order to laugh at them. You must obtain
me an audience of the Emperor of Russia.". I stood aghast. " You
will not"?'' — "I did not say that, Monseigneur. But your Eminence
should reflect a moment ere you invoke the aid of a prince who is not
of the Catholic communion. I do not think it can be done with proper
dignity." The Cardinal regarded me with concentrated rage. He
would have pulverized me if he had dared. He rose, traversed the
chapel for some time, and then again approached me.

" You blame me then ?" said he. — " No, sir : but I confess I should
grieve at taking a message from you to the Emperor of Russia." —
" Liable I Diable /" repeated he, pacing the floor again, and occasion-
ally taking a large pinch of Spanish snuff from the pocket of his
under-vest. Suddenly he stopped ; then, coming up to me once more,
he said, with that voice of thunder known to belong to him, " But
nevertheless you are my friend. How can you see me depart fur
Rome without having fears for my life V — " Oh, Monseigneur !" — " I
know well that they will not poison me, like Zizim. I know well that
they will not roast me before a slow fire ; but they will probably in-
carcerate me in the monastery of Albano, or in a convent situated in
the most savage mountains of the Apennines. And once there, what
would become of me ? And all because I have obeyed him whom
Pius VII. consecrated, anointed, crowned with his own hand. And
this Gonsalvi !"

He smote his forehead with his hand, strewing his visage in the
most whimsical-looking manner imaginable with his snuff.

" Monseigneur, your fears are, I am sure, without foundation.
But even admitting them, what can I do in the matter]" — "Well!
speak to Metternich. He is Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman; and, I
think, woull not willingly see me ill-treated." — "That I will do with
pleasure," answered I. " I am confident M. de Metternich will do
his utmost to serve your Eminence, and I will speak to him this very
day. But, after all, what am I to say 1 for I cannot tell him that the
Holy Father means to kill your Eminence, nor transform you into a
lay-brother; for he would not listen to me." — "And why not?"
demanded he, in an eager tone. — " Why, Monseigneur ? Because
the Pope is the most perfect human being in Rome. He is an ancjel

INTERVIEW WITH! CARDINAL MAURY. 503

Slid a saint. Your Eminence is misinformed if .you have fears of
him; nor is the Cardinal Gonsalvi capable of so much treachery."—
"Really!" rejoined he, with an expression I had never witnessed in
him before. " Ah ! you pretend to know all the gang better than
I] Well, be it so. But meanwhile I defend my skin." (I quote
the Cardinal's own phrase.) "If you object to naming me to
your friends from the fear of compromising yourself, you are at
liberty."

It might be remarked, throughout these Memoirs, that persons
might do with me what they would, provided they used fair and
sincere words ; but, in braving me, and treating me with hauteur,
they repelled and incensed me, and all the ties of amity were broken.
Hearing the Cardinal's last speech, I became offended, rose, and
walked towards the door. " I have the honour," said I, " to observe
to your Eminence, that I am disposed to execute every commission
you might give me ; but I cannot suffer friendship to carry me so far
as to become ridiculous. When you can make use of my services, 1
am at your command." I was about to retire, when he came to me,
took me by the hand, and reseated me in an arm-chair.

" The Emperor," said he, " might well say that you had a head
of iron." — "He might have added," returned I, "that with (his head
of iron I have a woman's heart to serve those I love. This is perhaps
better than where there is a head more pliable and a less feeling
heart." "Hem ! I know that you are right, ami perhaps il is as you
say. I know that Metternich must not be told that the Pope and
Gonsalvi mean to act falsely : but he may be led to understand as
much."--" I cannol speak of Cardinal Gonsalvi, in this matter, with
out evil, and I esteem him too much to . . . ." — "Ah! you going
to tell me that you also esteem La Somaglia, Spada, and Pacca!
Oh, that Cardinal Pacea !" — "But, Monseigneur, I know nothing
against Gonsalvi ; why, therefore, should I speak of him ?" — "But I
know, and T direcl you to speak." — "That will not suffice, Mon-
seigneur. Your Eminence is irritated, and not master of yourself!
At this moment, I musl not hear you." The Cardinal looked as if

h> could heat me ; but lie perhaps thoughl better of it. Be ascended

j>r rather leaped up the two steps of the sanctuary, disappeared through
the little door which was to the h-ft of the altar, and gained the private

staircase which led to his apartment.

After his departure. I remained some time expecting hi- would
return. I pitied his folly, but was resolved no! to cede my point.
He came not. nor did he send anj on.-. Alter waiting a quarter of
an lion i , I went to my carriage and drove home, The same evi

50-4 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

I related the conversation to my uncle, the Abbe de Comnene, whose
virtues and intelligence were to me the surest guide. He applauded
my conduct, assuring me he would have done the same in my place.
From this moment 1 felt tranquil, particularly as Albert, to whom I
also mentioned the affair, coincided in opinion with my uncle. I
thus felt quite confident that I had not erred in apparently refusing
to serve a friend, but in reality declining to second a vengeance ill-
combined and ill-conceived, even for the interest of the person who
started it.

The next day, the Cardinal wrote me a strange letter, wherein he
begged pardon for the conversation of the previous day, begging me
to forget, and above all, not to mention it. He told me likewise
that he was about to depart for Italy, and would come to bid me
farewell. I replied, that I should :e delighted to see him ; that I
advised him to write to Metternich, and place entire confidence in
him. With respect to mentioning our interview, I frankly said that
I had disclosed it to my uncle and my brother, who were both too
dear to me to conceal from them my thoughts, and more particularly
my conduct in a matter bearing upon political motives.

CHAPTER LI.

The joy of Paris — Conversation of the Emperor with the postmaster at Mont§-
limart — Inhabitants of Avignon always violent — Public officers — Faithful
soldiers at Donzene — Fury of the populace at Orgon — Anecdote of Nicholas
— The Emperor arrives at Avignon — Precautions — Devotion of an officer —
An harangue — Proposals for assassination — Vincent, the butcher of Avignon,
and one of the assassins of la Glaciere — Recrimination — The female servant
at the inn — The Princess Pauline — Monsieur de Montbreton — A disguise —
"0 Napoleon, what have you done?" — The Emperor in the midst of five
hundred peas; nts — Jacques Dumont — Recollections of Egypt — Two hundred
messengers to earry one letter — Departure for Porto Ferrajo.

While Louis XVII I. was advancing towards the throne of Clovis,
Paris testified the same joy which it had before then exhibited on so
many opposite occasions. At this time, Napoleon, still in the midst
of his enemies, received a short but most extraordinary letter, which
was put into his hands at Montelimart. He immediately entered
into conversation with the innkeeper, and asked him if he was the
master of the house. " Yes, sire." — " How far do you reckon it from

INCIDENTS ON THE ROUTE. 505

hence to Avignon 1" — "Eight hours' journey, if your Majesty be well
driven ; but the roads are bad."

Napoleon walked about musing. " Eight hours !" at length ha
said, "and now it is — " — "Twenty minutes to seven, Sire," replied
General Bertrand, " your Majesty should set out again at ten." —
"Let the horses be put to at nine," said Napoleon; and continuing
his walk, he appeared to be calculating how long his journey would
take him. "I shall arrive at six o'clock in the morning," continued
he; "these natives of Avignon were always hot-headed." — "Well,"
pursued he, "we must warn the Commissioners of the Allied Powers.
We will change horses without the town."

At this time several of the public officers of the commune of
Montelimart were introduced to the Emperor. He conversed with
them for some moments with a calmness most remarkable at such
an instant, when the question of his own life or death was being
agitated around him. When these officers spoke to him of their
regrets, he replied in these words, replete with wisdom and firmness,*
" Gentlemen, act like me : be resigned." The troops in the city,
when they saw him getting into the carriage, cried out enthusiastically,
"Vive l'Empereur!" Two stages further on, at Donzene, he was met
by cries of vengeance. The inhabitants were celebrating a fete for
the arrival of the King at Paris, and the sight of the Emperor roused
their indignation. He looked out upon the women, who, like furies,
were shouting and uttering invectives against him: it was a shocking
spectacle.

On his arrival at Orgon he was convinced that his fears were well
founded. f In proportion as he removed from Paris and entered
Provence, Napoleon observed gloomy countenances and armed hands.
Mothers demanded their children, and widows their husbands. There
was a terrible eloquence in these cries, wrung from the wretched
people; but was it right to overwhelm him who was as wretched
as they? At Avignon the danger which had been secretly threatening
the travellers since leaving Valence broke out, with a fury which
alarmed the Commissioners of the, Allies. Napoleon was always
calm and remarkably unconcerned, whilst all around hint were

• Would it I"- believed thai the Bpiril <>f party has endeavoured bo oasl b
eenaure upon this noble and affecting repi^ '

\ ,\i Orgon tie' Emperor run a risk of his life, and only owed lii lafetj to

|he lucky thought of passing for 01 f the suit.- of the < loramissi re. He \\m*

to stop at the Hotel Royal, to which there were two entrances ; and while 1 1 1 «-
Emperor wa« conversing with the maetei of the house, preparation! were madi

fol' lli.-i ilclllirtllr.. Iiv <iln' <>t til.-.-.

506 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

inspired with an ardour which perhaps had not him alone for its
object.* Already for some days, since the arrival of Napoleon had
been announced, the tumult in the city had been terrible, and the
National Guard wholly occupied in quieting the people. On Sunday,
the 23d of April, couriers and carriages with the Imperial arms
arrived at the post-house — that same house which was shortly after-

* The conduct of Napoleon as a conquered hero and as a captive was perhaps
more honourable to him than his valour as a warrior. During the time that his
fortune declined before all the combined forces of Europe, he looked on the
change, not with a dejected countenance, but with the hope of repairing the
reverses which characterized the years 1813, and particularly 1814: it was at
this period that he was most indefatigable. Paris was already taken ; his throne
was gone. He was still general of an arm}', but the idea never once occurred
to him that he was no longer Emperor.

The morning of the 11th of April put an end to this dream, and as soon as he
had signed his abdication he became calm ; no reproach or murmur escaped his
lips; he determined to live a sacrifice, and resigned himself to his new destiny.
As he approached Avignon, he found the populace ripe for disorder ; and as
the Emperor advanced more towards the south of France, violence and danger
increased. Every one knows that this part of the French empire is of all others
the most blind instrument in all great movements and political reactions.
Religious and revolutionary madness have both successively been idolized there.
The people of that lovely country have danced round the scaffold of terror, and
a year later they massacred the terrorists confined in the fortress of Saint John.
After having assassinated Marshal Brune at Avignon, the people saluted with
outrage and with menace their beloved Emperor. The most ignoble epithets
were hurled at him, accompanied with obscene verses, in which his unsullied
name appeared in every line. One single fact that occurred at this moment
will speak more volumes than the historian can write. On leaving a small
inn where he had passed the night, he was walking towards his carriage to pro-
ceed to Frejus, when a lady who was mixed in the mob that was vociferating
" Down with Nicholas" addressed herself to Napoleon, believing him to be
one of the suite, and begged him to point out to her Nicholas. " I am
Nicholas," replied he, with graceful dignity. "You are jesting," said the lady;
"Nicholas has not so benevolent a countenance as you have ; and besides, he
is a greater man than you." — "Oh!" rejoined the Emperor, "I understand:
you suppose that Nicholas lias the stature of a giant and the face of an ogre."
Scarcely had Napoleon finished these words when he drew from his pocket
several pieces of gold, and desired her to compare the likeness. The lady
examined the profle with an eye of confusion and surprise, while the Emperor
lold her to distribute the money among the mob of the place, as a gift on the
part of Nicholas. It may not be generally known that the term "Nicholas" in
Ihe French language is an opprobrious name, and is often applied to those who,
either from a want of reason, common sense, or reflection, hoped to succeed in
gome rash or mad-brained exploit. In some departments the nurse-maids
frighten the children committed to their care, by threatening: them with a vimt
from Nicholas.

NAPOLEON AT AVIGNON. 507

wards to serve as the scaffold of a virtuous man. A popular dis-
turbance ensued, and was only allayed by the Emperor's suite, who
were in these carriages, assuming the white cockade. The riot
lasted during a part of the day ; but at last, weary of waiting, the
crowd separated.

On Monday, the 24th of April, Cjlonel Campbell, the Commis-
sioner for England, arrived at Avignon at four o'clock in the morning.
The officer at the gate, through which Napoleon was to enter, anx-
iously inquired of Colonel Campbell if the Emperor's escort were
sufficient to make a strong resistance in the event of an attack. "Do
you really tear any attempt]" said the Colonel. The officer replied
in the affirmative. The Colonel appeared very uneasy, and in con-
sequence of this intelligence, and from what he himself witnessed, he
ordered the post-horses to be taken to the city-gate, opposite to that
through which the Emperor was to enter, and sent an express that
the escort should direct its course thither. But he could not give his
orders so secretly as to escape the notice of the townspeople, and a
furious crowd surrounded the Imperial carriage as soon as it appeared.
The officer, whose conduct was so honourable to him, and whose
name 1 regret much to be unable to give, was absent from this newly
appointed place for changing horses, when Napoleon arrived there.
When he came up the carriage was already surrounded, and a
drunken man, brandishing an old sabre, already had his hand on the
handle of the door of the Emperor's carriage, uttering frightful
exclamations. On a movement that indicated a bad design on the
part of the ruffian, a footman of the Emperor, named Francois, who
was seated on the outside, drew his sword. " Remain quiet," ex-
claimed the officer, and at the same instant the Emperor rapidly let
down the front glass, and said in a loud and commanding tone,
" Francois, remain still, I command you." By this time the horses
were put to, and the carriage stalled. As soon as he felt himself in
motion the Emperor bowed to the officer, and smiling, thanked him
in a most affectionate tone.

General Schouwaloff, the Commissioner from Rusa a, General
Keller, and Colonel Campbell, behaved admirably in this affair.
There wen' two others, of whom I emmot Bay the sunn — I will not
Dame them. It has been said thai the Prussian Commissioner ha-
rangued the people, exhorting them "to lei the tyrant live, thai he
might Ik. punished by repentance and regrets, which would inflict
upon him a thousand death--." This had taste in the foreign Com-
missioner did not escape Napoleon, who, Bmiling ironically, said, " In
truth, General, you speak French admirably."

50S NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

Much has been said of several proposals made to the King, and
to Monsieur, to assassinate Napoleon, and of the constant refusal of
tlu' King. I will believe this, as well as the innocence of M. de
Talleyrand in this affair. My credulity shall extend as far as they
please; 1 have need of it. I aevertheless recollect that, under Louis
XIV., the Marquis de Louville wrote to the Duke de Beauvillieis
and to M. de Torcy, all three considered among the most virluouu
men of their age, " Let the handsome Amirant of Castile be pur
sued ; and let him be killed wherever he may be, and no matter in
what way." However chivalrous the loyalty and piety of M. de
Blacas may be, it is not more so than that of M. de Louville ; and
therefore 1 have a right to suspect that a blow, the most important in
its results, was intended to have been struck at Orgon. Emissaries
were sent into this town ; the Emperor was expected there ; the
famous Vincent, the town butcher, and one of the murderers of la
Glaeiere, was at the head of two hunaied wretches who were
shouting that they would have the blood of the Emperor, of the
tyrant, of the Corsican.

Napoleon was aware, from the time of his arrival at Montelimart,
of the danger which he should run at Orgon and at Frejus. Life had
now become a burden to him ; but to lose it by the dagger of the
assassin, yet streaming with the blood of women and aged priests,
was abhorrent to his feelings. General Koller and the other Com-
missioners were informed by him of what was about to take place.
They received the communication as honourable men might be ex-
pected to do. Their names belonged to posterity from the moment
when at Fontainebleau the Emperor Napoleon had been placed in
their hands — and they knew it.

The Emperor arrived at Orgon in the first carriage ; he was with
General Koller. But how was he to escape recognition from eyes
that found a portrait of him on the smallest coin ! The post-house
at Orgon had a courtyard with a gate at each extremity. Between
these the carriage of the Emperor halted ; a figure clothed like him
v/as suspended to a rope, and swung about in the air, accompanied by
the shouts of the whole crowd, thirsting for his blood. The post-
master and mistress of Orgon wished to protect the travellers, who-
ever they might be, from the dangers which threatened them. They
therefore closed the gate towards the disturbed portion of the town,
and hastened the postillions. It is kirown how this gate was shattered
oeneath the blows of this butcher himself, encouraged by a gentleman,
said to be of the neighbourhood, who, from the preceding day, had
been profusely scattering money among the people. An excitement

NAPOLEON IN DANGER A.T ORGON. 509

was thus kept up among them, and the hatred of the women espe-
cially was aroused by the recollection of the losses they had sustained
in the Emperor's wars. — " 1 lost two of my sons at Mojaisk," cried
one. — ': I lost my husband and my father at Wagram," said her com
panion. — ''And I." exclaimed a man with a wooden leg, " have been
thus mutilated since I was twenty." — "And the taxes," cried another,
"are they not disgraceful — and a jug of wine to cost threepence, and
all to support his butcheries which he calls wars — death to the tyrant !"

These cries assumed every moment a more serious character.
What happened a few weeks later at Avignon has shown the horrors
that might have been committed at Orgon. The Emperor appears
to have escaped this extreme danger, by disguising himself in a
travelling-coat of General Roller's. Other accounts attribute his
preservation to a female servant at the inn. This woman had re-
solved to strike the first blow at the Emperor, but when she saw him
before her, stripped of his power and overwhelmed by misfortune,
her fee»ing towards him relented, and she exerted herself for his pre-
servation. She cried out to the mob with a loud voice, " Stand by
and let the Commissioners pass, who are going to embark the tyrant."

One consolation was afforded to him under these painful circum
stances. His sister, the Princess Pauline, after having passed the
winter at Nice and Hyeres, had hired a small country-house, where
she was awaiting the final issue of events in the greatest anxiety.
She was informed that her brother was approaching, and that his life
was threatened. She knew the disposition of the country ; and
when she heard that the Emperor was but a few leagues distant, she
was in the greatest alarm. The mad erics of the populace were
heard even beneath the windows of the house in which the Princess
was living, with no other attendants than Madame la Marquise de
Saluces. one of her ladies, and M. le Comte de Montbreton, her
pi incipal equerry.

At two in the afternoon, of the 2Gth of April, the Emperor's
arrival was announced. M. de Montbreton hastened into the hall to
meet him, when a person unknown to the Count leaped hastily from
the carriage and inquired for the Princess. It was the Emperor, but
so disguised thai it was impossible to recognize him. lie knew well

M. de Montbreton, and said, "These poor wretches would have mur

dered me— 1 have escaped only l>.\ means of this disguise."— —" You*

Majesty has done well," replied the Count. At this moment they

entered the chamber of the Princess. She extended her arms to him

«nd burs* into tears. All at one- her attention was arrested by the
Austrian uniform which be wore, and she turned pale .** How ia

510 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

this?" she asked. "Why this uniform?" — "Pauline," replied Napo
leon, " do you wish me dead ?" The Princess, looking at him stead
lastly, replied, " I cannot embrace you in that dress — 0, Napoleon,
what have you done ?"

The Emperor immediately retired, and having substituted, for
the Austrian, the uniform of one of the Old Guard, entered the
chamber of his sister, who ran to him and embraced him with a
tenderness which drew tears from the eyes of all present. Napoleon
himself was much affected. These emotions, however, were but of
short duration. He approached the window and looked into the
little court beneath, which was filled with a crowd of persons, for the
most part as much exasperated against him as those of Orgon, Fre-
jus, and of Avignon. Napoleon, profiting by a momentary calm,
which appeared to have fallen upon them, descended into this very
small courtyard, in which were four or five hundred persons. He
had on his three-cornered hat, and the coat of the Imperial Guard,
the rest of his dress being the same as that in which the soldiers had
always seen him. The Commissioners, when they saw him in the
midst of these peasants, became alarmed, and General Koller respect-
fully reminded him that until his arrival at Porto Ferrajo they were
answerable for his safety. " To whom ?" said the Emperor, sarcas
tically. "To the whole world, Sire," replied the General. In spite
of these representations, Napoleon resolved to trust himself in the
crowd, which soon became still more dense around him. A confused
buzz was heard, and the Commissioners, greatly alarmed, entreated
him to return into the house ; but this was a sort of danger that de-
lighted him.

While he was in the crowd, he noticed in a corner of the court-
yard a man about fifty years old, with a gash across his nose, and a
red ribbon in his button-hole. The Emperor perceived that this man
was looking at him, and returning his gaze, appeared to be endeav-
ouring to recollect his name : all at once he smiled, and approaching
him said, " Are you not Jacques Dumont ?" The man could not
immediately reply, but at length he said, "Yes, my Lord — yes. Gen-
eral— yes, yes, Sire !" — " You were in Egypt writh me ?" — " Yes,
Sire !" and the old soldier drew himself up, and put. his hand to his
forehead as if to give the military salute. — " You were wounded, but
that seems to me very long ago." — " At the battle of Trebia, Sire,
with the brave General Suchet ; I was unable to serve any longer.
Yet now, whenever the drum beats, I feel like a deserter. Under
your ensign, Sire, I could still serve, wherever your Majesty should
command." And the brave old man shed tears as he said, " Mv

DEPARTURE FOR PORTO FERRAJO. 511

name ! to recollect my name at the end of fifteen years." The
Emperor on dismissing him presented him with a cross.

Napoleon having expressed a desire to communicate with Marshal
Massena. at that time in command at Toulon, the greatest eagerness
was displayed among the crowd to convey his letter. "/ will go!"
exclaimed two hundred voices at once, in a delirium of enthusiasm.
"Let it be I," cried a woman, "for the Emperor knew my husband
— 'twas he who gave him his horse that he might better p.irsue those
Austrians in Italy." At this moment General Roller approached M.
de Montbreton. — "How shall we induce His Majesty to return into
the house?" said the General, "I would not say any thing unpleasant,
nevertheless . . . ." The Count understood the General's meaning,
and ten minutes afterwards the Princess Borghese sent for her brother.
Napoleon, restored to a sense of his situation by these simple words,
"Sire, the Princess would speak to you without witnesses," hastened

tO OBEY.

The Emperor remained a day and a half with his sister, and then
took the road to Porto Ferrajo, to reign over fruits and fields, which
subsequently were changed to fetters and a barren rock.

CHAPTER LII.

Anglomania — A stroke of the pen — Fete of Prince Schwartzenburg at St. Cloud
— The Comedie Francaise — The Polonaise — (Edipe — Maubrueil and Talley-
rand, and the robbery of the diamonds of the Queen of Westphalia — Maria-
Louisa — The i<:es of the Duke de Berri — The grenadier — 0 Richard I <>
mon Roil— The priest — The Emperor's alms — Embarkation — Pretended
conspiracy — Victims — I make my Court — Presentation — Louis XVIII. —

Lord Wellington — Embarrassment — The riding-coat and dusty Bho<

Fetes at Vienna — Napoleon.

Wiiii. k tin; Exile was thus travelling towards Ins prison, the new

King of Prance made his entry into Paris. IL- arrived from London
in an English dress with an English hat, and an English white
cockade that the Prince Regenl himself had fastened in; and nature
decreed that the change should be complete; the new King was
unable to walk, as he then laboured under a lit of the goul ; he wore
velvet Loot-, and appeared in powder: be was the representative of
the good old nun of \~is'l

The Charter was granted, and we ought to have been satisfied

512 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

with it. Indeed it was an excellent one, and had it been adhered to
we should have had no reason to complain. When Napoleon read it
be exclaimed, "This one stroke of the pen has done, in an instant,
what I have been endeavouring to do for the last twenty years."
This was very complimentary, and I believe he felt it to be true.

Prince Schwartzenburg gave a splendid fete at the Palace of St.
Cloud, in which he was then living. The period of my mourning had
not yet expired, and that served me as a pretext not to be present.
The Emperor of Russia, and the Grand Dukes Michael and Nicholas;
the King of Prussia, and the Princess; the Duke de Berri, and an
immense and elegant assemblage of nobility, were present.

The company of the Comedie Franchise were in attendance at this
fete. Mademoiselle Mars played in " Le Legs" (the Legacy), as she
always does, most exquisitely. This was succeeded by " La Suite
d'un Bal Masque," a pretty lively comedy, by Madame de Bawr,
formerly the wife of M. de Saint Simon, who has given his name to a
religious sect lately much in vogue : his wife composed plays perhaps
better than her husband knew how to introduce a new religion. The
temporary theatre was erected in the gallery painted by Mignard.
The whole effect was complete, and the Emperor Alexander* told me
the next day that he had no idea of a play being performed in such
perfection.

A slight accident cast a gloom over one portion of the company :
a garland of flowers, cut in paper, which decorated the gallery, caught
fire. The terrible misfortune which had happened to the same Prince
Schwartzenburg, at the marriage of Maria-Louisa, immediately oc-
curred to them, and a feeling of superstition, which was perhaps
excusable, threw a shade over that portion of the assembly by whom
the facts were known. The supper was served in a room adjoining
the orangery, in which was a great profusion of flowers. The dancing
was continued until daylight, and the whole fete was very well
arranged. The Prince must have felt perfectly satisfied, if no recol-
lection of the past disturbed him.

The next day (Edipe was performed at the Grand Opera, at which
were present His Majesty and the Duchess d'Angouleme. The interior
of the theatre presented a most extraordinary appearance : none of the
women had diamonds, all were in white, and all their ornaments con-

* It was in this year that the Emperor of Russia brought into fashion a
dance, which had certainly need of his patronage to render it acceptable. But
he danced it, and that was enough to induce every one to admire it. It was
the Polonaise, a dance invented expressly for those who have no other oppor-
tunity than tin ball-room to open their hearts.

MAUBREUIL AND TALLEYRAND. 513

sisted of plumes of feathers, of lilies, and of bunches or garlands of
white lilac. There was in the whole scene an elegance for which I
could not at first account : I, however, afterwards attributed it to the
agreeable colo ir that prevailed, and to the scent of the spring flowers
which spread tself in every direction. The opera of QEdipe (CEdipus),
was ill-chose", on this occasion, as it contained passages that would
bear a disagreeable interpretation.

Between the acts the orchestra played " Vive Henri IV.," which
air was introduced three times more in the course of the ballet.

The Duchess d'Angouleme was condescending, but appeared mel-
ancholy,— melancholy, however, in a being who sacrifices on the altar
of the living God all resentment, every painful thought, and all recol-
lection of injury, is a feeling which should indeed be permitted to her
who has wept for twenty years over those whom she lost by a death
more frightful in its manner than in itself.

The affair of Maubreuil, the theft of the Queen of Westphalia's
diamonds, was of a very extraordinary character, and one of which
M. de Talleyrand can furnish the particulars. The Queen was ret inn-
ing leisurely to her residence in Germany, when she was surrounded,
stopped, and then robbed, by persons under the direction of a man
whom the Princess Catherine herself recollected. This man showed
her an order, signed by Louis XVIII., and then set to work with a
quickness and regularity that showed, as the Princess said, that this
was not the first time he had been thus employed. M. de Maubreuil,
before this adventure, was wholly unknown ; but since, according to
custom, we have spoken of nothing but him. This man, the bearer,
as I have said, of an order signed by Louis XVIII., stopped the Queen
of Westphalia on the 21st of April, at seven o'clock in the morning,
between Sens and Weimans. lie took from her a hundred thousand
francs in gold, and her < 1 i a Lids, estimated at, about five million

francs, lie was accompanied by twenty persons, and hail with him
ns an ostensible accomplice, a fellow of the name of Desies. M. do
Talleyrand was, as is well known, greatly compromised in this affair.
What may have been the origin of it, it is not necessary to inquire;
it was highly impolitic, and the event has since justified what I then
asserted -M. de Talleyrand is not tree from blame. Beyond this,
till we have more positive evidence, we musf be silent.

One of the most disgraceful characteristics of the journals of this
time was the spontaneous affection which they exhibited towards the
new-comers, ami tip- indifference, and even insolence, which marked
•heir conduct towards those who were no longer in power. They
never gave to Maria-Louisa any other title than Elerli perial lb
72

511 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the Archduchess. — "Am I then a lost and dishonoured woman? ITavG
I, for the six years that I have lived with this man, and called him my
husband. — have I been his mistress, his slave? No! I am his wife;
and to prove it to Europe and to the whole world, my arm shall sup-
port him, nor will I allow him to believe himself abandoned by me."

The Duke de Berri possessed, in 1814, qualities likely to render
him more popular than most men. His countenance was open, and
his manners frank. Anecdotes were told of him which amused the
people ; and, besides, he possessed qualities that reminded them of
Henry IV. He was in the habit of taking two ices every night
before he went to bed. One night he returned home later than usual :
it was five o'clock, and the day was beginning to break. The servant,
who had charge of the ices, finding that the Prince did not return,
looked wistfully at the ices, now fast dissolving, and, that they might
not be lost, determined to swallow both. Scarcely had he finished
'hem, when the Prince entered, and called for his ices. The unlucky
fellow had hidden himself; for at this time the Prince made every
one tremble by his violence of temper. The Duke being appeased,
desired to see the culprit, that he might judge whether he deserved
his pardon. The servant approached trembling. " Weli, rascal," said
the Duke, " what induced you to eat my ices ? Take care another
time to leave one for me."

On another occasion, at a review, a grenadier called out very loud,
'•Vive l'Empereur!" The Prince went up to him and said, "How is
it that you are so fond of a, man who did not pay you, and who led
you, without recompense, from one end of Europe to the other?"
The grenadier raised his eyes, and looked at the Duke with a gloomy
air, then dropped his eyes upon his firelock, and replied, " What is it
to you if we chose to give him credit?" The grenadier certainly had
the best of this interview.

The following anecdote of the Emperor on his way to Elba ought
not to be omitted : — A little on this side of Lyons, at La-Tour, the
Emperor supped alone — (he was not in the habit of supping with the
allied Commissioners), — his meal was soon over, and as the night wan
fine, he went out and walked upon the road. A respectable ecclesi
ststic went out at the same time to meet the Emperor, and to speak
with him. Napoleon was singing in a low tone — (he is known to
have had a very bad voice) — and the air that the priest recognised
was. " O Richard! O mon Roi !" He sang for some time; — at
length he stopped, leaned against a tree, and looked up to heaven.
Who can say what were the thoughts that then passed through his
lofty mind ! He remained some time considering a star, then resumed

NAPOLEON AND TKE PRIEST. 515

his silent walk. The priest now placed himself opposite to him, and
Napoleon started on seeing a man so near.

" Who are you ?" he asked. — " I am an ecclesiastic, Sire, and
rector of this commune." — " Have you been so long ?*' — " Since its
formation — since your Majesty restored religion to France ;" — (and
the worthy priest bowed to the Emperor. All are not ungrateful !)
Napoleon walked on for some time in silence : — " lias this village
suffered much?" — " Greatly, Sire; its burdens were too heavy."

The Emperor pursued his way ; at length, stopping suddenly, he
looked up to the sky, and inquired the name of a certain star. The
priest being unable to inform him, he said, " Once I knew the names
of all these stars — and of my own ; but now" — he was silent for a
few moments, and then resumed — " Yes, now I forget everything."
They were now approaching the house ; the Emperor took some
gold from his pocket, and giving it to the priest, said, " I cannot do
more — but the humble are great in the eyes of God — pray for me,
and mine alms will bring forth fruit." — "Sire!" The pronunciation
of this single word had, probably, a particular expression, for the
Emperor started when he heard it, and replied, " Yes, perhaps you
are right — perhaps 1 was too fond of war ; — but it is too serious a
question," said he, smiling, " to be discussed on the highway. Once
more, adieu ! Pray for me !"

I have already remarked, that Lyons was on the point of rising
in his favour, and that he was hurried through that city by night. It
is certain that he was for a long time in fear of his life, and that it
was only when in sight of the Mediterranean that his spirits recovered
their wonted elasticity. He smiled upon the blue fields of the sea,
and greeted the asylum where he would at least find rest. The I Rus-
sian, English, and Prussian commissioners left him at Saint Euphean,
where he embarked for Porto Ferrajo. General Roller was the only
one who accompanied him to Elba, unless Colonel Campbell was also
with him.

The fault of the Restoration, and the Holy Alliance, was the be-
lieving themselves in safety the instant that Napoleon was banished.
They all forgot that the Imperial party was yet in the fivshness of
its power; that the apostates who had abandoned it, sm-h as M. do
Massa, and a crowd of others, were of QO importance; and that
besides, if any one would make them a recompense, these men would
immediately pass over to the party paying, On the plea of serving
the <■< intry. The Imperial party was then, in fact, ntlOSl potent.

Phe men at its head were habituated to peril ; they even courted
dancer; and the Duke de Baasano, with several others, were de

616 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

n ou need as having formed a conspiracy that was ready to explode
So proofs, it is true, were forthcoming — there was nothing but the
men and their known devotedness. In this extremity, an inferna.
means presented itself to get rid of the whole Imperialist sects, A
name famous in La Vendee brought to Paris a troop of wretches —
such as, in 1792, were got together for the purpose of facilitating the
massacres in the prisons. The houses of the Imperialists were
marked. M. de Bassano, apprized of the intended horrors, saw no
other means of shunning them than by exposing them in broad day-
light, and by placing himself immediately under the protection of
the Chamber. The thing was very adroitly done ; and next day, the
eve on which the unhappy victims were to be delivered up to the
assassin's knife — so long covered with rust — the Chamber was in-
formed of this atrocious manoeuvre. From that moment, they no
longer entertained any fear.

It is true that in turn their opponents had some ground for appre-
hension. Among the Imperialists were several hot-headed persons
who breathed nought but vengeance. They wished, indeed, for jus-
tice ; but not obtaining it, sought to take the law into their own
hands. Perhaps if the Chamber of Peers had not condemned Mar-
shal Ney, he might have been cited to the bar of this new tribunal
of invisibles, who punished without recompensing.

The island of Elba was then the point which attracted great at-
tention. The Emperor, humbled by misfortune, might become less
despotic, more frugal of the blood of Frenchmen, and desirous to
re-enter the true limits which the events of 1792 had given him.
Thus argued many persons whose eyes were at first fixed on Louis
XVII I., seduced by the charter, and seeing nothing in Louis but
^race, good manners, and a remarkable eloquence of language ; but
ihey apprehended cunning, and felt that the new order of things
resembled a painted cloth, behind which there was — nothing. Never-
theless, Louis XVIII. performed many actions which continued to
make a favourable impression upon us who knew how to estimate
things and men. The years 1814-15 belong to Louis as well as to
Bonaparte, and I should speak of all.

The day on which the ladies had received notice to go to the
Tuileries, 1 consulted my unele and Albert, and determined to pay
what is called my court. But there was one point of embarrassment.
We all recollected the luxury of the Imperial court : 1 still had my
jewels, but I did not make use of them. 1 had a garland of dia-
monds, but 1 would not put it on ; neither did I wear any of my
most valuable diamonds. I selected a set of emeralds, surrounded

MY COURT TO THE PRINCESS. 517

by sm.il. diamonds; it was termed a morning full-dress, but even
this seemed to me too brilliant. As for my robes, I could not dream
of wearing one of my Imperial court dresses, and therefore had one
made for the occasion of white satin, covered with white crape, and
decorated with blonde. I put a few simple ornaments in my hair,
and thus completed the court toilet for my presentation to Louis
XVIII. I give the details as being characteristic of the period I am
describing.

I was introduced to the Duchess of Angouleme on the first day.
She received all the ladies standing, having beside her the Duchess
de Seran, who knew not one of us, and was obliged to ask three-
fourths of the names. The Dauphiness inclined her head, and we
passed on after having made our reverence to the Princess. J was
between Madame Juste de Noailles and the Duchess of Hamilton,
which latter accompanied us as Duchess d'Aubigne. I was affected,
otherwise I should have spoken to her of her sister, whom I knew
well as Lady Georgiana, now Duchess of Bedford ; but in fact, I was
moved at seeing in the place of that good Josephine, a person who,
legitimate as her position was, appeared to me to usurp the situation
of the mother of the King of Rome. I had not loved, but I now
pitied her.

I advanced then, thus placed by chance between a dear friend and
a stranger. I arrived in front of the Princess ; I curtsied as they
named me, and was about to pass on, when the Dauphiness, repeating
my name, fixed on me that kind look which secured her the love of
all by whom she was surrounded. That glance directed me to stop
— I stopped. — "You are Madame JunotT' — " Yes, Madame."—
"You suffered much, I think, in your last expedition to Spain?"
The Princess said this in an accent of such great interest, that I could
not avoid raising my eyes to her, though with great respect. — " Have
you saved your son1?" she continued. " Yes, Madame." I had nearly
added. "This child exists, and I will educate him for you — to defend
you!" It struck me, however, that such a boasl mighl be considered
mal-a-propos. My looks, meanwhile, spoke for me, and I compre-
hended her reply. " You no longer Buffer from your fatigues then I"
pursued she. I answered that 1 had been returned three years. She
appeared to calculate, and then said, " Ah, that is true."

Making a movement of the head, she indicated thai I mighl pass
on. My life, Bince the age of fifteen, had been passed in familiar
intercourse, not only with the Princes of <" rmany, (and it is known
that every thing connected with etiquette is of much importance to
them,) but with almost all the crowned heads of Europe. I was

518 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY".

touched with the kindness and the fascination of the Daupl .ness.
rears came in my eyes, and I testified my feelings vividly to Madanin
do Noailles, who knew we'd how to estimate them.

On speaking, the same evening, to my uncle and brother, of the
goodness of the Princess, the latter told me I should be to blame if
I did not go to the Tuileries with my son, and request from Louis
XVIII. the 200,000 francs entered on the State Ledger for my first-
born son. It seemed evident that Madame d'Angouleme, rigid and
severe to the world generally, had been particularly kind to me ; I
therefore next day wrote for my first audience. I was answered by
the Due de la Chatre, without delay, that the King would receive me
the following day between three and four o'clock.

I framed the requisite answers to such questions as I thought
might be put to me, and felt no trepidation when I entered the cabinet
of the King.

It should be recollected, that Louis XVIII. had a very kind and
even soft address : he was extremely polite after the manner of kings,
which seemed to impose on you silence. Notwithstanding his black
velvet boots, and absurd general appearance, I found myself at once
as much at ease with his Majesty as if we had been acquainted for
ten years. He made me sit down near him ; entered himself upon
the subject of my audience, and asked if my request was within scope
of the law. He added, with much grace, " The Duke of Abrantes
uid not die in my service ; but such a man does honour to his
country, which should therefore render her acknowledgment : I will
take charge of it." He then entered upon the subject which I most
dreaded, that of the Emperor. He spoke to me of my mother and
of him. As my Memoirs had not then been published, I could not
imagine how the King had become so well acquainted with Napo-
leon's earliest years. But, upon reflection, it appeared perfectly
natural. He talked a long time, asking questions as princes ask
them, and received laconic answers as became a subject. He spoke,
among other things, of my uncle Demetrius, whom he had not only
known in exile, but who, continuing faithful, had been charged by
Louis XVIII., then Monsieur and Regent of France, with several
delicate and even dangerous missions to the King of Naples (father
to Queen Amelia). He talked of my uncle with much wmplacency,
saying, that he had known him when young and gay. ': One day,"
continued the King, " he supped with me at Brunois. We made a
comparison which had the longest memory. I believe I beat him ;
and can you imagine how ? By enumerating the cures of Meudon
m chronological order."

INVITATION TO THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. 51S

I could not help laughing at this anecdote in a degree not quite
respectful ; but when one laughs at what they say, and not in derision,
kings excuse us. However, I injured my purpose in the audience,
for, with my customary freedom, I said to his Majesty, " True, Sire,
that was a droll idea; but the list must have been very long, and
not a little tiresome to your Majesty to repeat." — " You mean tire-
some for him to hear."

I laughed again, and the King seemed glad to see me so joyous.
It was a happy moment for my purpose. I presented him my peti-
tion, and invoked his goodness for my son, relating to him the Prus-
sian history, which I had not then communicated to any one. In
listening to it Louis XVIII. coloured slightly ; in fact, he perceived
the humiliation of the proposal. It was at this audience I offered his
Majesty my hotel for the depository of the crown wardrobe, and that
he pledged his word that, at the end of the year, the pt; chase should
be concluded. I spoke to him also of my brother, and he conceded
every point, leaving me, on my withdrawing, as satisfied and content
with Louis XVIII. as it was possible to be with a king. The Duke
of Rovigo, that complete meddler in all things, having learnt that I
had had a private audience of the King, came in a great hurry to
inquire if Louis XVIII. had mentioned the Duke d'Enghien. I re-
plied with the simple word, No !

The horizon meanwhile darkened, and heavy clouds portended a
coming storm. Vienna was at this moment resplendent with all the
rank and luxury of Europe concentrated upon one single point: every
one went to Vienna to be present at the Congress. The wealthiest
and most beautiful women of the continent were there, and England
contributed her full share of nobility and loveliness. M. de Metter-
nieh, who was both Chancellor of the Court and of the State, with an
influence extending throughout Europe, to which he gave laws, al-
though Lord Castlereagh, Mr. Canning, and perhaps Capo D'Istria,
were there as stars of secondary magnitude. I had seen Lord Wel-
lington immediately after his arrival from Toulouse. The particular
relations he had been in with my husband had established a sort of
fntimacy between us, which, on my part, was heightened 1>\ a know-
ledge of the admirable arrangements he had made in Spain for mv
safety. I asked him one day to dine with me. Several ladies of my
acquaintance had been desirous of knowing him ; amongst others, the
Countess de Lucay, lady of the wardrobe to the Empresg Maria-
Louisa. " Ah," said Lord Wellington to me, " would you show me

fls something marvellous?'' — "No, certainly. Whom would you

have?" — "Whom you please: Metternich he is amiable, and bo

520 y\POLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

witty." I thought with him, but etiquette induced me to pause.
Which of the two should I place on my right] To which of the two
should I give my hand In going to table? These petty considerations
prevented me from asking them at the same time.

I invited Englishmen and Frenchmen; 1 would have asked
Cardinal Maury, who was to leave in a day or two for Italy; but by
virtue of his office he would claim precedence over all. it was
necessary to omit him. I invited Sir George Murray, the Duke's
Quartermaster-general, a French Lieutenant-general, and the Count
de Lucay. The day arrived, and with it one of those mishaps so
disagreeable to the mistress of a house. I had intimated to the
Lieutenant-general that it was to be a dinner of ceremony, Hrt not in
uniform — no one but men of elegant manners. The Marquis de
Balincourt, and two or three similar persons ; Prince Wenzel de
Lichtenstein and his brother, Prince Maurice. All were suitable to
each other. The Duke of Wellington, who had then just assumed
that rank, came in the full dress of a gentleman, with the order of
the Garter, looking as well as a private attire would permit him to
\o. The ladies present consisted of Madame Duehatel, Madame
Lallemand, the Baroness Thomieres, the Countess de Lucay, Madame
Doumerc, and myself. We were all as elegant as we could be ;
and in those days, this was saying something. My house, alwrays
excellently furnished, was on this occasion ornamented with peculiar
care, and seemed to join in our female coquetry. There were flowers
every where — and flowers in the month of May — a month redolent
of roses ! " It seems," says the Duke, " that you have adopted our
fashion of dining late. Is it not a delightful one ?"

I dared not tell him that I was waiting for General Count de

C : but as he had desired to dine with one of our generals, I had

selected a man who belonged both to the old and the new noblesse ;
and, in fact, my choice struck me as excellent. However, as time
passed on, I ordered dinner, and two minutes after my expected
guest arrived. But how1? Heavens! in a riding-coat, with nankin
trousers and dusty shoes. I cannot tell what I felt at this moment.
It was a great act of rudeness to me, but still greater to the Duke
of Wellington. " He did not intend to do any thing that might be
disagreeable to me, and trusted I would excuse his want of cere-
mony !" Mon Dieu ! as for the Duke, he was inclined to laugh, but
said nothing. With regard to the rest, all went well. My self-love,
as hostess, might even have been flattered. But that unfortunate
sur'.out — those miserable nankin trousers! Wellington was very
complaisant — friendly even — and stopped to hear Madame Emilie

FETES AT VIENNA. 521

Douinerc sing ; she was a particular friend of mine. ind one of the
most exquisite sirens ever created. M. de Metternicb, to whom I
related my embarrassment, respecting the place and the arm, excused
me, and came after dinner.

When Lord Wellington was gone, I said to the General, " Aht
ca! Now, will you explain to me the trousers and the riding-coat 1
You, whom I have known in the country dress tor our society
alone!" — "So I would again," replied he. "But do you imagine
that I would pay the least compliment to a personage who draws us
along in chains after him, like Lord Wellington '?" I stood astonished.
" We are all of the same mind !" continued he. I confess I knew not
what to say. He was so honest — so far from showing a disposition
to offend me. I have set down the above anecdote, to show the spirit
of the army at this epoch.

When the Allied Sovereigns were in London, I received intelli-
gence of all the sumptuous entertainments, first by letter, from the
Prince de Metternich, and afterwards by formal communication from
that minister, on his brief residence at Paris. I parted from him
with regret, for I loved him tenderly, and felt confident of finding in
him a faithful friend. lie wrote me from Vienna in November:
"I have been passing a month at Baden. But my furlough has been
very short, and already the political world is assembling at Vienna ;
as if life consisted but in attending to the requisitions of others.
You will hear anon of a grand ball which I purpose giving in a charm-
ing house that I have in the Faubourg of Vienna." And this fete was
given, and described in all the newspapers of the day. The Prince
de Ligne observed, " Pardieu ! if the Congress marches not, at least
it dances well."

Vienna was at this period a place of enchantment and delicious
pleasure: fetes, joy, love, ambition, all were written on the golden
and perfumed pages of enchantment. Those moments were among
the fugitive ones which the hand cannot arrest as they glide quickly
by, but which notwithstanding often leave imperishable recollections.
In the midst of all this voluptuousness, when the car was excited only
by the music of the dance, or the words of love, suddenly a new
sound was raised! It consisted of but one word, bul that word

suspended all! The surprise was more than surprise: it was disquie-
tude, and that of the most disheartening nature. This cabalistic
word was Napoleon! Yes, Napoleon had returned into his do-
minions, lb- came borne on the arms of his soldiers, i ■<■ terrible

than ever to trembling Sovereigns, for lie came armed \\ iili vengeance.

He returned to demand bis Cities, his cannon, his ramparts, his

522 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY

fortresses, and a thousand flags stained with the blood of those who
had conquered them : all these, might be regained. The brass would
dissolve again in the furnace ; the dismantled ramparts might be
restored; we might regain the colours: but our glory was eclipsed!
our beautiful France disgraced! placed under, the yoke! our old
soldiers humiliated — their widows and orphans without succour _>r
asylum — with some exceptions, and I am grateful for being permitted
to call myself one : these things it was that made Napoleon terrible
to the Congress, trembling at his name even, and fearing, despite the
six hundred leagues which separated them, that he might arrive, as
if by magic, at the gates of Vienna, without their being able to
prevent his conquering march. They fancied he stood before them,
more fierce and menacing even than after the battles of Austerlitz
and Wagram ; speaking, as master, to that assemblage of Kings :
" Give me back my son ! give me back my wife !" And could he
have so presented himself, his wife and child would assuredly have
been restored to him, for never in all his career was Napoleon so
truly great as on his return from Elba.

This event was not anticipated. Often an idea is given by peculiar
circumstances, of the scenes that are to follow ; but here, there was
nothing of the kind. It resembled a thunderbolt in the middle of a
serene day. When the first news reached Paris of Napoleon's
disembarkation, we regarded each other with an almost stupid
astonishment, and ere we could believe, wre gazed around to ascertain
if it were not a dream. Louis XVIII. was well advised not to quit
France ; had he only gone to Brussels, which was no longer ours,
France would not again have received him. But all counsels offered
to him were not equally wise, and this period was fatal in its results.
He believed, like his advisers, that severity was necessary, but
they inflicted punishment with as little judgment as they bestowed
rewards

m. dumoulin's audience with the emperor. 523

CHAPTER LIII.

M Dumonlin of Grenoble, at Porto Ferrnjo — An audience — The Emperor's
opinion on Dauphine' — Monsieur Fourrier prefect of Grenoble — Departure
of M. Dumouliii — Resolution of the Congress — The landing — Orders for
Grenoble — M. Gavin — Proclamation — Charles de Labedoyen — Dauphine —
Nobility offer their services — Projects for defence — Cafe Tortoni — Caricatures
— Monsieur Jacqueminot (now General) the principal actor in this seene —
Madame de Vaude — Conferences — The Duke de Feltre minister of war —
Alarm of the Congress — Order of march — Monsieur Barginet of Grenoble —
Recollections of the chateau of Yizille — Successive desertions from the King
— Orders are given twice to fire upon the Emperor.

In a stormy evening, of the month of September, 1814, a young man,
calling himself a merchant, travelling for a house at Genoa, arrived
at Porto Ferrajo, and put up at the inn of the port. He immediately,
j\\ landing, inquired for Monsieur Emery, chief surgeon of the guard,
the same person who followed Napoleon to St. Helena, and to whom
the Emperor left in his will 100,000 francs. This young man was
M. Dumonlin, the son of a rich merchant at Grenoble, and the early
friend of Monsieur Emery. "Here I am," said Dumonlin, "but
what arc von doing lure? Why is not the Emperor in France 1 If
his foot were once again on the shores of France, in three days he
would he at the Tuileries. The enthusiasm in his favour has been
increased by his humiliation. The Emperor must return, I say — can
1 be presented to him ?"

"You shall see him this very night."

M. Dumoulin only took time to change his linen, when he was
conducted to the wretched dwelling of Napoleon, who started on the
entrance of a stranger, but immediately recovered himself on hearing
his name. He conversed with him for some time "ii the Btate of

Dauphine, and then entered, at length, on tin- condition of the smith

of France, and of France itself; he afterwards listened with evident
rati faction to Dumoulin's suggestions as to his return. There were
several maps in his room, and while he spoke he traced his purposed

route upon them.

"But. Si I-.-,"' said M. Dumoulin, "the roads thai your Majesty is trac-
ing are impracticable, especially for cavalry." "Resolution will over-

52 i NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

come every thing," said Napoleon. " Cannon can be carried, ai id infantry
can march twenty leagues a day. Do yon not know the power of a
firm resolve in important conjunctures ?" These were the Emperor's
own words, which I received from M. Dumoulin himself, who took
them down the same evening that they were uttered at Porto Ferrajo.
" And then," continued the Emperor, " Dauphine is for us ; they do
not like the royal family — they and Brittany were the first who pro-
claimed liberty at tn«. castle of Vizille, belonging to M. Perrier."

Napoleon then questioned M. Dumoulin respecting the triumphal
journey of Count d'Artois through the south, and laughed heartily at
the relation which he received : his gaiety, however, was checked on
learning the conduct of Monsieur Fourrier, prefect of Grenoble, a
man of some talent, who wrote the preface to the excellent work on
Egypt, whither the Emperor had taken him, and who owed every
thing to Napoleon. He was the son of a tailor of Auxerre, and should
have been a liberal, but was, on the contrary, so anxious for the
favour of the royal party, that, like St. Peter, he denied his master ;
asserting, in exculpation, that he had forgotten him ; an excuse which
would not, certainly, have occurred to every one. The Emperor, in
speaking of him on this occasion, said, " I know him ; he will not suc-
ceed ; he would do better to remain a writer, for he will never make
a courtier." The conference lasted sometime; when Napoleon dis-
missed M. Dumoulin he started for France, having remained on the
island about thirty-six hours. On his departure, the Emperor said to
him, " Write frequently to Emery ; be prudent; be faithful. I am not
now rich, but I have still sufficient to assist those who may devote
themselves to me."

I have spoken of this interview to show that the Emperor was
aware of the feelings which existed in his favour throughout Dauphine.
As soon, therefore, as he learned the resolution of the Congress to
shut him up in a fortress, or to send him to St. Helena, he no longer
hesitated to embark for France. The details of his departure and
arrival are well known, and as 1 have but little room to spare, I shall
devote my remaining space to relations interesting although but little
known. As soon as his foot touched the soil of France, Napoleon
said to Dr. Emery, "Start for Grenoble; travel night and day until
you arrive at the house of Dumoulin, who must set out immediately
t/» join me." He intrusted him also with despatches to be forwarded
by some safe and trustworthy person to the Duke de Bassano, and to
the Colonel of the 7th regiment of the line, then at Chamberv. When
the Doctor was about to set out, the Emperor called him back, and
having pointed out to him on a map his route, said, "You will take

ORDERS FOR GREXOBLE. 525

the road by Grasse, Digne, and Gap. When you arrive at Grenoble,
be sure to send me an account of each day's journey, and above all,
of the disposition of the people.

Doctor Ernery was high-minded and ardent, and well fitted for
such a mission. He only stopped at Digne and Gap to change horses,
so much did he fear an arrest, nut fur his own sake, but for the cause
in which he was engaged. On the morning of the 4th of March Emerv
entered Grenoble, where every one was as yet in ignorance of the
landing of the Emperor, but which was known at Paris by telegraph.
He hastened to Dumoulin, and his first words were, " The Emperor
has landed; let us thank God." He was overcome by fatigue: they
were obliged to cut off his boots ; but this was to be done with great
caution, for important papers were concealed within them. Diese
documents were to be printed, and Dumoulin placed them n the
hands of M. Gavin, a printer, as determined a partisan as himself, who
finished them that same evening, in the chamber of Dumoulin. While
thus engaged they fancied themselves betrayed ; they stopped to
listen, then resumed their work, saying, " If they will only allow us
to finish it."

About the same time letters arrived from Paris, enclosing MS.
proclamations. These were to invite the patriots to unite in this one
endeavour to cast off the foreign yoke, and once more become French-
men. "On the 1st of March," said this proclamation, "France again
became free, and she must take her rank as the first of nations," &c.

Some asserted that this attempt was in favour of the Emperor ;
others, of Napoleon II. The style of the proclamation was not very
hostile to the Bourbons. At the same time the Imperial Guard were
reassembled under the command of Generals Lefebvre, Desnouettes,
and Lallemand, and of Colonel Briche. They wished to possess them,
selves of La Fere, but the desertion of General Lyons frustrated this
well-concerted project. There was a report which I consider altogether
false, although it gained great credit at the time. It was said that \\\
movement arose from a party belonging neither to the Emperor nor the
Bourbons. I do not believe it. The fad is, that neither M. Emery nor
M. Dumoulin knew by whom the proclamations were issued, nor have
they ever been aide to discover: nevertheless, a mouth later, when
the Emperor was at the Tuileries, persons came to claim a reward,

When Dumoulin knew that the Emperor's letter to M. de Labe-

doyere was of great imporiai , he resolved to be the bearer of it

himself, and immediately hastened, or rather Hew, to Chambery,
\vh>re. incredible to relate, he arrived at nine on the same evening.
Labedoyere read the letter with considerable emotion, and exclaimed,

526 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

14 Yes, indeed, the Emperor may reckon on me. I must wait till the
i ews of his arrival be officially known before I can act. You may, sir,
return to his Majesty, and assure him that I am his for life or death!'''
Alas ! the unfortunate voung man knew not that he was foretelling so
truly his destiny !

Dumoulin again started, after a few moments' rest, for Grenoble,
where he arrived at five in the morning. Positive intelligence of the
landing of the Emperor had now spread through Grenoble, and official
notice of it had reached the Prefect, and General Marchand, by whom
precautions were taken for the protection of the city, and a company
of soldiers were ordered to occupy a defile through which the Emperor
would have to pass on his approach. On the morning of the 5th an
extraordinary procession of old gentlemen appeared before General
Marchand, and offered him the services of the nobility of Dauphine.
The Genera] thanked them, and they went their way. At this time
printed proclamations were scattered about in abundance, and ap-
peared to be well received among the garrison. Murmurs were heard
in the ranks, and death was even threatened to General Marchand
should he attempt resistance. " We will do no harm to the Bourbons,"
exclaimed some ; " but let them restore to the Emperor his place,
and return as they came." Uneasy at the disposition of the town and
troops, the General and Prefect convoked the principal inhabitants,
and it was determined in this council that Grenoble should hold out
to the last extremity. Another meeting took place on the same day,
composed of officers of the 5th regiment, and of a company of engineers,
who all solemnly engaged not to act in any way against the Emperor,
or those who accompanied him ; three hundred of whom were of the
battalion of his guard at Elba.

The situation of Marchand was critical ; the soldiers declared that
they would not oppose the Emperor ; every thing seemed to threaten
a rising, and the murmurs of a discontented population were already
heard. M. Fourrier (the Prefect) put forth an official proclamation,
announcing the arrival of Bonaparte, which the people received with
cries of contempt; it produced, indeed, a very droll effect, for it occa-
sioned the mass to declare in favour of the Emperor. What com-
pleted the destruction of the royalist party was the call made to the
gentlemen ; for among such as could bear arms there were not two
who were not devoted to the Emperor, having served in the army
since 1T92

A few weeks after the arrival of Louis XVI IL Paris is said to
have been inundated by a crowd of the old nobility, who filled the
avenues of the palace, and great!} njured the cause of the Bourbons

CARICATURES. 52 T

One morning five persons entered Tortoni's in a very stately manner,
and placed themselves at the same table. They were all habited alike,
in the complete costume of the old times. They inquired for the bill
of fare, and, looking disdainfully around them, appeared to pay no
attention to the crowd, who were amusing themselves with the pecu-
liarity of their dress and appearance — a conversation in the same
spirit as their manners and dress, accompanied their scanty meal,
which was terminated by a characteristic song. The police, however,
will not allow a jest at the expense of those in power, however ridicu-
lous that power may be ; and the five persons who had ventured on
this burlesque were conducted to prison, where they remained many
weeks. I believe I may say many months. On leaving the prison of
L'Abbaye they were ordered to ask pardon of the Duke d'Angouleme
and the Duke de Berri, which they did. As they were leaving the
Tuileries, M. Jacqueminot, one of the five offenders, and who is at
present a general officer, met on the stairs a personage dressed pre-
cisely as he had been at the famous breakfast. He stopped him, and,
taking him by the hand, said, "May I ask you if you have worn this
dress long?"

" Yes, sir, very long," replied the other, with an air of indignant
surprise. " And has no mischief ever happened to you from wearing
it?" said Jacqueminot, with a plaintive expression.

"Sir! Sir! do you mean to insult me? — No, certainly not — no
mischief." — " Ah, sir, you are very fortunate ; I wore it but for two
hours, and I have spent three months in prison for my frolic." These
were so many blows levelled at the royal authority. I, however, did
not approve of these gentlemen's jest. Old age and poverty are never
fit subjects for raillery: they should always be respected.

A barrister of Grenoble offered to assassinate the Emperor ; this
was one scheme among many. Madame de Vaude herself tells us, in
her "Reminiscences," that she wished to go, like a new Judith, and
slay this poor Holofernes. For this purpose she asked for neither
dagger, nor pistol, nor cannon: she only required a post-chaise. But
the person to whom she addressed herself was a man of honour and
good sense; he looked upon her as insane, or as acting from other
motives than those which she professed. The resull of both of these
proposals was the same.

During this time the partisans of Napoleon were busily emploj ed.
Conferences were held at the house of M. I >umoulin, ami on the night
of the 5th or Ota Mr. Fournier, a rich hemp-merchant of the Faubourg
St. Joseph, M Risson, and many others, determined that every sacri-
fice both of person and property should lie risked. On perceiving

528 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

these decided manifestations the authorities fortified the gate of Beaut e,
at the entrance of the Faubourg St. Joseph, through which the Em-
peror would have to pass, and thirty pieces of cannon Were placed
upon the ramparts; the soldiers of the 4th regiment of artillery
received orders to stand in readiness on the batteries ; they did so,
and often did the inhabitants approach and shake them by the hand.
"He is coming," said they; "but what will you do? you will not
oppose him ; it is not in your nature," — " We know what we have to
do." In the mean time the Count d'Artois and the Duke of Orleans
arrived at Lyons. They were entreated to hasten to Grenoble, and
were assured that no engagement should take place with the troops of
the wsurper before their arrival. Immediately after, orders were
given to the artillery to fire on the Emperor as soon as he should
appear on the road leading to the gate of Beaune. At this time Gen-
erals Marchand and Mouton-Duvernet were making careful search for
Doctor Emery ; but although he remained within the city, he was
undiscovered. Grenoble was a point of considerable importance for the
Emperor, on account of its large depot of artillery. While all was
agitation in the South, the King convoked the Chambers, dismissed
Marshal Soult, the Minister of War, and substituted for him the
Duke de Feltre, a man wholly unfit for this office. The Congress of
Vienna, too, felt extreme alarm on learning this miraculous return.

The discussions with which they were now fully occupied ceased
at the voice which proclaimed the approach of Napoleon. Austria,
France, and England, were already leagued against Russia and Prus-
sia. Talleyrand felt assured of the success of his intrigue, Had the
Emperor been willing or able to wait for the dissolution of the
Congress, he might then have mounted his throne. Napoleon would
then have had to contend only against internal enemies, whose num-
bers in a few months would have been greatly diminished. It has
been said that he received certain intelligence that his banishment to
St. Helena had been resolved on, and this was the reason of his has-
tening back to France.

Grenoble, while these deliberations were passing in it, presented
a most extraordinary spectacle. All authority was at an end, for the
people would acknowledge none. The troops kept within their bar-
racks, while the whole population filled the square and streets through
which Napoleon was expected to pass on the following day. In six
days he had marched seventy-two leagues across a rough and moun
tainous country ! On the morning of the 7th of March a squadron
of the 4th Hussars entered Grenoble from Vienne, and at noon the
7th regiment of the line, commanded by Labedoyere. This morning

NAPOLEON AND THE STUDENT. 529

at daybreak, Dumoulin quitted Grenoble. He started on horseback,
at a gallop, and passed behind some gendarmes, whose duty it was to
prevent any one from leaving the city. He rejoined, the Emperor as
he was leaving Lamure, a large town on the road from Grenoble to
Marseilles. "Vive 1'Empereur !" cried Dumoulin, as he gallopped
past the advanced guard. " Vive 1'Empereur," they replied, and he
leaped from his horse and ran to Napoleon. " Who are you, young
man ?" said the Emperor. " I am Dumoulin, Sire, coining to offer
you my arm and fortune. It was I who last autumn — " — " Oh, I
recollect — mount your horse again, and let us converse." Dumoulin
was again in the saddle, when, after many questions, the Emperor
inquired what effect his proclamations had had upon the people and
soldiers. "That which your Majesty might expect," said Dumoulin;
"they have produced the greatest enthusiasm." — "The battalion sent
out from Grenoble," said the Emperor, "joined me as soon as they
saw me. I had only to show myself, my old soldiers soon recol
lected me."

The line of march was arranged in this manner. The Emperor
was preceded by four mounted chasseurs of his guard, and four 1'olish
lancers, who cleared the way. Then came Napoleon, some paces be
fore his attendants, and having at his side only Generals Bertrand,
Drouot, and Cambronne. At five or six paces distant were several
officers, among whom could be distinguished General Count Germa-
nouski, colonel of the Polish lancers. A dozen chasseurs and lancers
followed, then the Emperor's guard, a body of a hundred horsemen.
f ">les, and chasseurs ; behind these came the body of the army , a
force of six hundred men, increased by a battalion of the 5th, and a
company of engineers.

Napoleon appeared absorbed in thought, for al Grenoble was to
he determined his success or failure. Tiny were on the road from
Lamure to Vizille. The Emperor had advanced before his compan-
ions, and was slowly descending the side of Laffray ; lie was in deep
meditation. All at once lie was struck by the appearance of a. group
if young men, who were advancing towards him. He stopped his
horse, and, smiling, said, "Who are you, my children; and what
would you say to me '."

The young men looked al each other; then one of them, chosen
dvs his companions, advanced to the Emperor; the expression of his

countenance was mild, and full of intelligence. Napoleon extended
his hand towards him ; he seized it, and kissed it with a sentiment
of re-pert and delight; he wished to speak, but could only uttel
unconnected words: — "General !- Citizen ! — Sire !"
73

530 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

This was Bargiuet himself, then a pupil at the Imperial college at
Grenoble. He is a highly estimable young man, and possesses a
heart truly French. I beg to repeat to him the assurance of ray
esteem. He relates this anecdote with a feeling which will be shared
by all his countrymen. " You have something to say to me, my
friend," said the Emperor, "speak without fear. Where do you
come from, and what would you have1?" — " We come from Grenoble,
Sire ; we are pupils of the Imperial school, and, hearing of your
Teturn, my companions and myself wished to see you one 'Jay sooner,
and to assure you, Sire, that we are ready to die for you." Napo-
leon was highly affected at a conduct so noble and so enthusiastic.
" In devoting yourselves to me," said he, " you devote yourselves to
France. But you are young to become soldiers. Do your parents
know of your resolution?" M. Barginet answered, a little embar-
rassed : " Sire, we set out without informing any one." — "That is
not right — our first duty in society is to obey our parents, never
forget that; at least," he added, smiling, "you will never again fail
in this duty on a similar occasion. But come, fear nothing; tell me
what they say of me in Grenoble ?"

This unexpected question produced on the young student, as he
has since informed me, the effect of an electric shock. He answered,
that Grenoble and its neighbourhood looked for him with the utmost
anxiety and love; but that the people also expected from him liberal
institutions, peace, and the total repeal of certain taxes, which were
held in utter detestation. Louis XVIII. promised to abolish them,
and his neglect of this promise was highly injurious to him. Napo-
leon turned away, and did not immediately reply ; at length he said,
" The people are right to reckon upon me. I love them, and wish
then, to be happy. Their rights have been outraged for the last
yeai ; I will repair this evil. France has been the most splendid
empire of the world ; it shall become the seat of liberty."

At this moment, on a sudden turn of the road, a pile of buildings
presented themselves to his view, and Napoleon inquired what they
were. " It is the castle of Vizille, Sire, where in 1788 the estates-
general of Dauphine proclaimed liberty." The Emperor then inquired
particularly into the history of Dauphine. This was a characteristic
trait in Napoleon-; he always conversed with those whom he met on
subjects on which they were best informed. And as this young
student might have been expected to be better acquainted with the
history of his own province than with any other subject, the Emperor
led him to speak of it. He seemed much surprised on learning that
Hannibal had passed over the same road where he now was two

NAPOLEON AND THE TROOPS. 531

thousand years before. Hannibal was his hero, as is well known.

" I will stop at Vizille and pass the night there," said the Emperor
after a moment's hesitation. — " No, Sire," said the youth. — " Why
so?" said Napoleon, astonished at his derided tune. — "Grenoble is
but three leagues distant, Sire; you have enemies there, and should
face them to-night." — " Who are my enemies at Grenoble?" said the
Emperor, looking kindly on him.— " I cannot name them, Sire; I
can only put you on your guard." — "How old are you, and * :.\re
have you been educated?" — "I am sixteen, Sire, and my education
is one of the benefits that 1 have received from you. I am a public
pupil of the school of Grenoble." — "Do you understand mathe-
matics?"— "No, Sire." — " What then do you know?" — "I have,
studied literature and history." — "Pooh! literature will l.ot make a
general officer. You must follow me to Paris, and you shad enter at
St. Cyr or Fontainebleau." — "My parents are too poor to defray my
expenses there." — "I will take care of that. I am your father also;
so that is settled. Adieu ; when we reach Paris you must remind
the minister of war of the promise that I have just made you." This
promise was fulfilled: a decree of the 10th April, 1815, named him
as a public pupil at St. Cyr, or Fontainebleau, and a decision, dated
a few days after, freed him from the payment of the fees required by
the regulations.

I have mentioned the defection of the troops sent against the
Emperor; I shall now give some particulars of this event. On the
night of the 0th of March, a battalion of the fifth regiment of the line,
and a company of sappers; marched oul towards Lamure. They were
commanded by an aide-de-camp of General Marchand, and the most
violent measures were enjoined to them. These troops me1 about
forty or fifty grenadiers, who had set oul from Lamure, for tho
purpose of clearing the roan". The officers not, seeing Napoleon, would
not allow the two bodies to approach. The grenadiers fell back to

join the Emperor, and the others took up a position on a rising
ground, between Lamure and the lakes of Laffray. On learning the
resistance that his soldiers had met with, the Emperor fell ULea&j :
his fate was to be decided at Grenoble, or by ihe troops on that

station. Of this he was well aware. The inhabitants of Lamure and

the neighbouring villages received the Emperor as he passed, with
every demonstration of joy; the) did nof even appear uneasj as to
the issue of the struggle thai was about to take place.

The Emperor rode a verj small and spirited i intain pony, from

which he rarelj dismounted ; bul on seeing the troops that occupied
the plain of Lamure, he quitted bis horse, and advanced quickly

/

5o2 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

towards them. The valley in which this important scene took place
is wild and picturesque ; it is, I think, called the vale of Beaumont.
Napoleon stood on a little hill which overlooked the plain filled with
the troops sent against him. He had his grenadiers with him, but,
they carried their pieces under the r left arms. When he appeared
a feeble voice ordered an advance — the soldiers stood still. Then the
Emperor approaching them, and unbuttoning his great-coat, said, in a
loud voice, "Soldiers, I am your Emperor: do you not recollect me?
It' there is one among you who wishes to kill his general, here I am."
— "Vive l'Empereur !" shouted the soldiers, throwing down their
muskets and running to him. The young aide-de-camp twice gave the
order to fire upon the Emperor, but at the second time he was obliged
to fly, for the soldiers would have killed him.

The Emperor was at this time superior to himself. He would not
be the head of a party, the chief of a turbulent faction. He refused
the services of the officers wrho came to join him, and who proposed
returning to Grenoble, and obliging the authorities to open the gates
to him. The inhabitants of Mateyline also offered to rise en masse
in his favour ; but he refused both. He wished to be a Sovereign,
only depending upon the love of his people and of the army.

CHAPTER LIV.

Arrival of the Emperor at Vizille — What have you there, Sir Priest? — The
white riband — The Marseillaise, and the Chant du Depart — The approach of
the troops — Seventh regiment of the line — Labedoyere embraced by the
Emperor — History of the Seventh — The eagle concealed in a drum-
Triumphal march — The aide-de-camp always for firing — New obstruction —
Dr. Emery — Gates of Grenoble burst open — Novel species of homage to be
offered at the feet of an Emperor — Inn kept by one of the veterans of Egypt
— Knight of the Legion of Honour and brevet-officer — M. Dumoulin in 1S30
— Lafayette twice fatal to the Imperial dynasty and the destinies of France
— M. Champollion Figeac — Plan for reaching Paris without firing a gun —
Diplomacy — Presentation of the Bishop and Cures of the four parishes of
Grenoble — The Imperial court — Rejoicings — Kiss on both cheeks — Jury
ti icoloured flag — Speech of a free and brave man

The Emperor was still at some distance trom V lzille, when the sound
of the bells, blended with the confused murmur of its whole popula-
tion coming out to meet him, told him of his welcome. Scarcely,
indeed, had he reached the bridge, than he was surrounded by a

NAPOLEON AND THE PRIEST. 533

crowd, wild with joy, who strewed on his path a shower of violets
and mountain hyacinths. "Long live the Emperor!" was the
universal shout. "Down with the calotte!" — "What's that they
say V he asked. " They cry, ' Down with the priests,' " was Dumou-
lin's answer. " But this is not the fitting spot, my friends, to show
our love to his Majesty ; wait till we reach Grenoble !" — " Grenoble!"
exclaimed the troop ; " on to Grenoble !" In this manner Napoleon
passed through Vizille, in the midst of a crowd intoxicated with zeal
for him. When in front of the church, he perceived' a man, dressed
in black, who was vociferating like a madman, and crying, " Long
live the Emperor, long live the great Napoleon !" This was th<>
cure. The Emperor stopped before him. " Good day, sir," he said,
"I am obliged to you. But pray, M. l'Abbe, what have you there .'"'
and pointed to a small white riband. " Ah, Sire, your pardon ; it is
nothing" replied the cure, quite confused, and thrusting his lily white
ribbon in his pocket. However, there arose from the crowd that
fierce buzz which is, as it were, the voice of the people. The poor
priest turned pale, and looked at Napoleon. The Emperor held out
his hand, which the cure kissed with transport, exclaiming, " Vive
l'Empereur !" The entire population of Vizille followed the Emperor,
and at this moment there were more than six thousand of the country
people around him. Almost all the young men of this town, in
particular, wore tricoloured ribands in their hats, and preceded the
Emperor, singing the Marseillaise and the Chant du Depart. Every
house was thrown open, and the soldiers, who were overcome with
fatigue, entered to refresh themselves, if but for a moment. There
was something antique and beautiful, like the traditions of the olden
times, in these popular rejoicings, and this universal demonstration
of the love of a free nation. In this manner they reached the little
village of Brie, between Grenoble and Vizille, about five in the even
ing, when suddenly the Emperor stopped, and, looking with his ^lass,
exclaimed, "I am not mistaken; here are the troops — -ha ! ha! it
looks as if they were coming to give us battle !"'

Dumoulin, who, from his residing at Grenoble, was will acquainted
with the country and the troops of the garrison, spurred on his horse
to reconnoitre. After some minutes he returned with the news of
his having encountered M. de Launay, Adjutant-major of the seventh
regiment, who had been sent .forward by Labedoy ere to apprize the
Emperor that he was on his march to join him, At that moment
the soldiers of the seventh came up, running, and in the greatest
disorder. It had been impossible to keep them in their ranks — they
shouted, they wept! The Emperor was much affected. ••Where is

531 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

the Colonel ?" he said. " Ah, Sire, do ] see you once more !" ex
claimed the noble young man, taking hold of Napoleon's stirrup ; his
fine face was radiant with joy, and his eyes filled with tears. " Come
to my arms, mon cker enfant" cried the Emperor, who embraced
him like a brother. "But my eagle?" Labedoyere presented it to
him. Napoleon took it, gazed upon it, twice kissed it; tears fell
upon this emblem of our glory, doubly sanctified by this noble
baptism.

Here it becomes necessary to relate the remarkable events which
had preceded this arrival of the seventh regiment of the line. I have
spoken of the agitation which prevailed at Gienoble, and of the ill
will of the Prefect, of General Marehand, and even of M. Renauldon,
the mayor of the town, who willed nothing, and therefore was good
for nothing. Every thing displayed a sinister aspect, as soon as the
soldiers appeared, although with sadness, to prepare for the execution
of their orders. Nevertheless, they feared, at the prefecture, that the
troops would not fire, and, above all, there was a dread of civil war
and its terrible scenes. In the midst of this agitation, the beat of a
drum was heard on Monday, March Tth, about noon, and, directly
after, a regiment was seen to march through the town, and draw up
in order of battle on the grande place. This was the seventh, which
had come from Chambery ; it was the finest regiment in France,
whose colonel was one of the bravest and most singularly handsome
men in the army. Labedoyere, at this epoch, was scarcely thirty
years of age, and as handsome as Renaud. His fair hair hung in
clusters over his head, and gave an imposing effect to his ample and
commanding brow ; his eyes were blue, yet brilliant and full of fire ,
he was elegantly made, tall, active, and of the noblest presence. His
devotion to the Emperor wis a worship.

On reaching the qrande place, Labedoyere perceived that General
de Villiers, commander of the department, had followed him ; he was
the bearer of orders from General Marchand : Labedoyere listened
to them, and at first did not answer a word. Whilst the General
was speaking, murmurs arose from the ranks, and already every
thing presaged the scene about to follow. Suddenly their Colonel
commands silence, and cries with a loud voice, " Soldiers, I am
ordered to lead you to battle against your Emperor. Soldiers, I
resign my command, and am no longer your Colonel. I never will
conduct you in the road of dishonour !" Cries immediately arose
on every side, of " No, no" — " Long live our Colonel" — " Vive
VEmpereur /" — " Lead on, Colonel !" — " You have my thanks," ex-
claimed Labedoyere, "but I cannot command you.- The Emperoi

labedoyere's fidelity. 535

received my first oath, he claims me, and I must repair to him
Soldiers, my dear comrades, you can remain under your flap ; for
me, I return to him under whom I have always fought. Adieu, 1
hasten to the national flag — adieu !" The cries of Vive VEmpereur !
became enthusiastic; the ranks were broken, the Colonel surrounded.
" Colonel," exclaims an officer, " you cannot forsake men who love
you — lead their, to the Emperor!" — "Yes, yes!" was the cry; "to
the Emperor, to the Emperor! Vive notre Colonel!"

Labedoyere looked at them with err. >tion. Unfortunate young
man ! Heaven owed him these few hours of happiness, to counter-
poise the misfortunes in store for him. "Then, you will have it so,
my friends," he exclaimed : " well, forward ! Let him who loves me
follow me!" — "We will all go," cried an old soldier, "and had
you led us against the Emperor, we would not have followed you.
Colonel, look here ! — Drummer !" Instantly the drummer tore open
his drum, and drew from it the eagle of the seven! h. which had been
thus preserved. He placed it in the hands of the Colonel, who took
it, and kissed it with respectful joy. At the moment, the white flag
was torn, and trampled under foot, both by townsmen and soldiers ;
and immediately, as if by the stroke of an enchanter's wand, each
soldier had a tricoloured cockade in his cap. The regiment forthwith
began its march, drums beating, the band in front, and in quick time.
More than six thousand persons left the town with them ; it was a
general madness.

To resume. Napoleon arrived before Grenoble, March 7th, at
six in the evening. He had about 15,000 persons with him. The
gates were closed, and the greatest confusion prevailed in the town.
After the departure of the seventh, General Marchand held a review.
harangued the soldiers, and endeavoured to raise the shout, Vive /<
Roi! The soldiery had remained dull and gloomy, and had not.
even lifted their eyes towards their leaders. General Marchand called
a council of war, but no resolution was agreed upon, and the confusion
increased at the approach of evening, with the news of the Emperor's
marching upon Grenoble. At the, same time, word was urOUghl that
the soldiers and officers of the fifth which were confined to their
barrack9, were escaping through the windows and along the ramparts
to join the Emperor.

It was at, this moment that Napoleon entered the Faubourg St.

Joseph, and arrived al the entrance called the gate Beaune, which is
separated from the road by a ditch twenty live )',■,■( iM width. The
guard had just been withdrawn, and as the inhabitants were thronging
over the wooden bridge, it could not be destroyed. Dr. Emery

536 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

who had until now remained, actively employed, though concealed in
Grenoble, Game forth, and made himself known to the Emperor, whe
pulled him by the ear, to testify his joy at seeing him. " We have
waited for yon with impatience, Sire," said M. Emery. " Well,"
exclaimed one of the Emperor's suite, " we must force the gate." —
" No, no," cried Napoleon, who discovered no uneasiness at the delay,
but walked with folded arms and tranquil looks, in the midst of the
admiring multitudes who had followed him so far from their homes.
It was night ; the soldiers and others lighted a quantity of torches
they had purchased in the Faubourg, and exhibited those picturesque
features which would well become the pencil of Horace Vernet, the
perpetuator of so many interesting facts. A cry was heard from the
ramparts, " They are going to fire !" and indeed, the young aide-de-
camp of General Marchand was on the ramparts, endeavouring to
excite the soldiers. At last, exasperated at the inactivitj of the
troops, he seized a match, and was about to fire a gun, when a
woman threw herself upon him, and, wresting the match from him,
exclaimed, " Wretch, what are you about to do ! Know you not that
our husbands and sons are with the Emperor ? Besides, we will have
the Emperor — Vive l'Empereur !" To this cry the name of the
Emperor burst from a thousand tongues. However, so close was the
Emperor to the battery, that M. Emery besought him to withdraw.
" Come, come," said Napoleon, " what would you have happen to me?
A bullet may kill, but does not hurt." (His very words, which have
been religiously preserved.)

At last it was known that General Marchand had quitted Grenoble,
and taken away the keys of the town — a poor revenge in so great a
conjuncture. Immediately, the inhabitants dashed open the gate of
Beaune, and saw a glorious spectacle. Thirty thousand persons lined
the streets and the grande place ; every house was illuminated, and
the Emperor never experienced such a reception, even at the height
of his power. The townsmen lodged each a soldier, for they would
not allow any one to invite two ; all wished to share in what they
called the festival of their city. The Emperor refused to repair to
the prefecture, but, recollecting that one of his veterans of Egypt
kept an inn at Grenoble, he insisted on going to the Three Dolphins ;
and scarcely was he there than a deputation from the people was
introduced.

" Sire," said the spokesman, " we obeyed you when you ordered
us not to burst the gates of our city, but if you will deign to turr tc
the window, your Majesty will perceive those very gates, which we
now lay at your feet, to prove that we did not take any part in th«

ANECDOTES OF DUMOULIN. 537

unworthy resistance that has been offered you;" and, throwing open
the window, he pointed to the two gates, which were lying before the
inn. The Emperor smiled at these testimonies of profound affection,
when more violent cries than ever of Vive VMmpereur, seeming to
proceed from 20,000 men, were heard. This was from a battalion of
the fifth, which had forcibly returned to the city, led by < laptain Pela-
prat. and crying, " Vive VEmpereur! down with the Bourbons!"

Dumoulin and Emery, who had hitherto taken no rest, had just
thrown themselves on a bed, when a friend came to summon the
former to the Emperor. He rose, and repaired to the Three Dolphin*.
lie was introduced by the Grand-marshal, and the Emperor said, on
seeing him, "1 wish to testify to you, M. Dumoulin, my satisfaction
at your noble conduct : you are a member of the Legion of Honour
— you will follow me to Paris]" "Ah, Sire! how can I acknowledge
your kindness? and in what quality?" — "Brevet-officer. Come with
me; my fortune will be. yours; I attach you to my person;" and,
tapping him on the shoulder as he was taking leave, "wait," he said ;
opening a writing desk, he took a cross out of it: " take this," he con-
tinued, "and to-morrow, early, begin your office near my person.
Grand-marshal, here is a new officer of my household," he said, pull-
ino the ear of the newly made knight of the Legion of Honour. Thus
did this man create his seides, ami make himself adored.*

* A few words concerninu; M. Dumoulin, who played too conspicuous a part
in 1815 not to be omitted; but the truth is on record. None of Napoleon's
officers were more devoted to him. When, in 1818, Dumoulin gained many
millions by transactions in the stocks, he opened a negotiation with Lord
Hathurst, to be empowered to send 100,000 franca yearly to the Emperor at St.
Helena. He was arrested < ■ i lt 1 1 1 hundred and nine times under the restoration,
for attempts in favour of Napoleon, and .Inly the 29th, 1880, In' was the first to
.Miter the Hotel de Ville, dressed in his uniform as a household officer of the
Emperor. As his reward, the provisional government appointed him com-
mandant of the Hotel de Ville. Then, calling to mind his oath to the Emperor
to die in his cause, he hastened to David, a printer in the Faubourg Poissonniore,
and caused several thousand copies to be printed of a proclamation calling

Napoleon II. to the throne of Prance, in conformity with tin' deer f tin

Chambers of theftlst of July, 1815 ; and the 80th of July, at nine in the morning;
with the connivance of three members of the Town Council, whose names Tknovt,
they were about to proclaim Napoleon II., when Colonel Carbonel, partner of

the money broker, Lombard, and - etarj to Lafayette, informed M. Dui lin

that, his genera] wished to speak with him, and, decoying him into a retired
room, .-hut him up with two sentinels over him till Beven in the evening, This
ie the second time that Lafayette was fatal to the Imperial dyno ty. Si.de
Lafayette was fatal to France under ev< n regime, lie wished, I think, to rul«
himself

538 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

On leaving the room where the Emperor was, M. Dumonlin it- .•♦
M. Champollion Figeac, now keeper of the manuscripts in the Royal
Library at Paris, and brother of the famous Champollion. He waa
the second of the friends, to whom the secret of the voyage from Elba
had been entrusted. He was going to undertake the office of secre-
tary, a post which he filled during the eight-and-furty hours which the
Emperor sojourned at Grenoble. The Emperor knew nothing of him,
but, having asked Dumoulin for a sure man, the latter had recom-
mended M. Champollion, who was devoted. I adduce this circum-
stance, merely for the sake of still showing Napoleon in a new light.
Aftei thanking M. Champollion, he spoke to him of Egypt, and seemed
to forget Grenoble, the island of Elba, and even Paris ; he talked of
his beloved Egypt, of the fourteen dynasties of the Lagides, shut up in
the Pyramids, of the Arab people, of the isthmus of Suez. " What
say they of the great works which I have directed respecting the trans-
lation of the Chinese Dictionary, and the new French translation of
Strabo ] When I shall arrive at Paris, I will require an account of
these literary labours." The conversation prolonged itself thus until
one o'clock in the morning. " Go to bed," said the Emperor to M.
Champollion, " and return to-morrow as early as you can."

Next day, March the 8th, at six o'clock in the morning, M.
Champollion was in the bed-chamber of the Emperor. He had risen
an hour previously, and awaited him. " To work !" said he. At half-
past eight, an officer arrived, who came from Lyons in the name of
General Brayer. He belonged to the General's staff, by name Moli-
en de St. Yon, and came to assure the Emperor of the devotion of
General Brayer. " Return immediately," said Napoleon, " and assure
Brayer of my friendship." M. Molien assured the Emperor of the
enthusiasm of the Lyonais. Napoleon kept him a short time, and
gave him a number of instructions. " Above all things," said he, on
parting, " tell Brayer that I will reach Paris without firing a shot."

From the morning of the 8th, the Emperor was longed for and
expected by the whole city ; but he occupied himself meanwhile with
important cares. " M. Fourrier has done justice to himself," said
Napoleon, "in quitting Grenoble. But whom can I nominate Pre-
fect]" A voice named M. Savoie Rollin, formerly Prefect of Rouen.
"Is Savoie Rollin here1?" cried the Emperor. "And your National
Guard : it should be numerous. But he who commanded it yesterday
for the Count de Lillie, cannot command it now. Mention the most
Worthy citizen of your town," added he, turning towards the inhabi-
tants of Grenoble.

On seeking M. Savoie Rollin, he was found to be in the country

NAPOLEONS AUDIENCE AT GRENOBLE- 539

Th?y offered to M. Alphonse Perrier, or M. Adolpbe, (I am n;>t sura
which, but it was a brother of the Minister), the command of the
National Guard ; but, as he was a friend of the Count de Montal, he
objected to supersede him. They offered to M. Didier, Sub-Prefect
of the Isere, the vacant post of Prefect : he was a timid man, and
lefused. "Well," said the Emperor, "a counsellor of the prefecture
can perform the functions of Prefect." And, to command the National
Guard, he named an old major of the Imperial army.

It was at Grenoble also, on the 8th of March, that Napoleon dic-
tated to M. Champollion his letter to the Emperor of Austria. As
soon as the Emperor was visible, M. Simon, the Bishop, presented
himself at the head of his chapter, and of the four curates of the city
of Grenoble. He had, in fact, all his clergy, with the exception of his
Vicar-General, M. Bouchard. A curious incident took place at this
audience. As the Bishop presented the curates to the Emperor,
designating them by their proper names, to the moment when be
said, " I have the honour to present to your Majesty M. de la Grez — "
— " Ah ! it is you, M. le cure," said Napoleon, " who spoke so inju-
riously of me every Sunday in your sermons to the cook-maids." —
" Ah ! raon Dieu !" answered the troubled ecclesiastic, " I assure you,
Sire — " — " Oh, I know you are a good priest ! go on if it amuses you.
1 permit liberty of worship." The poor curate remained stupified.
Napoleon seeing him so unhappy, said, " Come, think no more about
it. Only be kind and charitable towards all. That is the true law of
Jesus Christ."

The judges were also announced. The Emperor was marvellously
great in this audience, lie talked jurisprudence like the most skilful
amongst them, and, above all, mentioned the necessity of reforming
several ill-constructed laws. — " I have long discussed in the Council
of State," said he, "the necessity of repairing the civil code as well as
the criminal. But what could I do? 1 had always to struggle against
men who spoke only of giving the strong arm to power." His ideas
(lowed lucid, powerful, just, and precise. ''We shall, I trust," pur-
sued he, "find ourselves in more peaceable circumstances, and. work-
ing together, we shall construct a good work.'1 Hut the mOSl touching
scene was to see the Emperor approached by the differ enl officers.
They seemed as if they had recovered ;i brother : thej wept tears of
joy, and trembled in spcakin-_r to him. "The Bourbons had repudi
ated your glories," said Napoleon. "In so doing, they not onlj com
mitted a fault, but indicted an insult on France."

After giving these audiences, the Emperor descended at length to
pass in review the garrison, consisting of the 5th and 7th regiment!

540 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

of the line, some squadrons of the 4th hussars, some engineers, and
two companies of artillery, all in good order, together with 1500 of
the National Guard. He was carried on the shoulders of the people.
A young girl approached him with a laurel branch in her hand, recit-
ing some verses. " What can I do for you, my pretty girl ?" said the
Emperor. The maiden blushed, then lifting her eyes on Napoleon
answered, " I have nothing to ask of your Majesty : but you would
render me very happy by embracing me.*' The Emperor kissed her.
"I embrace, in you, all the ladies of Grenoble," said he aloud, turning
his head on every side with a charming smile.

As he was advancing towards the place of the review, it was dis-
covered that there was no tricoloured flag. On the instant, Dumoulin
ran into a magazine of merinos, and selecting the proper cole, rs —
white, red, and blue — he stitched them together, and in a few minutes
the flag was ready. Enthusiastic plaudits followed, and nothing could
paint the delirium spread over the whole assembly when the military
music struck up the Marseillaise Hymn. After the review, a deputa-
tion of respectable citizens presented themselves with an address to
offer to the Emperor. It was in the first instance received by Mar
shal Bertrand, who, having looked through it, observed that there was
one line too strongly put, which it would be necessary to suppress.
"The Emperor," .said he, "with all his goodness, could not accord so
much as you would here have him promise." " Monsieur," replied
M. Boissonet, an advocate and a man of energetic talent, " if we drive
away these Bourbons, whom foreigners have imposed on us, it is liberty
that we ask. We doubt not possessing it with the Emperor, but we
intended also to have it without him : we await, sir, your announcing
us to his Majesty." This language, from a man of free principles, and
of heart, should have made Napoleon aware that liberty had been
only compromised b} him, and his reflections might have still further
impressed on him the propel course which openec tself on his return
into the country,

napoleon's reception at lvoxs. 541

CHAPTER LV.

Departure from Grenoble — Approach to Lyons — The old fariier, mayor, nn<
orator — Appearance of resistance — Marshal Macdonald — The Count d'Artoj
at Lyons — Napoleon enters Lyons — His address to the National Guard, anc'
to the Lyonnais — The Duke of Orleans defeated by the Emperor's troops at
Bourgoing — M. de Blacas — Sitting of the Chamber of Deputies — Oath of tha
Princes to the constitutional charter — M. Dandre — Departure of Louis XVIII.
— Melancholy impressions — Arrival of the Emperor in Paris — His reception
by the people — Secret influence of Fouche — Sinister presentiments — The
French Marshals of 1815 — Reverses — Waterloo — Conclusion.

On the 8th of March, at four o'clock in the evening, Napoleon quitted
Grenoble with all his staff, and slept at Bourgoing, a large town ten
leagues distant. From the Gulf Juan to Grenoble he had constantly
travelled either on horseback or on foot. At the latter place he pur
chased a carriage. Next morning, on approaching Lyons, the Em-
peror ordered Colonel Germanouski to take with him six men and
push a reconnoisance on to La Guillotiere. Scarcely had they per-
ceived the Polish lancers, when the entire population hastened to pre-
sent themselves before the Emperor. The enthusiasm that prevailed
during two days was indeed greater than that at Grenoble. At St.
Denis de Brou, two stages before Lyons, Napoleon encountered the
population of that city. Marshal Sonlt had not foreseen this when he
B&id to the King on the 5th of March, "Bonaparte will remain this
year in Dauphine, and next year lie will attempt to take Bourgoing."
Napoleon disembarked on the 1st of March with nine hundred
men. It was on the 9th of the. same month that he entered Lyons
with eight thousand men and thirty pieces of cannon. The road from
(jienoble to Lyons is strewed with villages, or rather small wealthy
Ioa'hs. the entire popn liit ion of which surrounded the open carriage in
which the Emperor travelled, and formed an enthusiastic cortege.

It was during the journey from Grenoble to Lyons, and not <>u his
road from Cannes to Grenoble, that Napoleon was accosted by a
respectable, old man, who was al once the farrier and mayor of his
village. He descended, together with nil the inhabitants of his dis-
trict, from their mountains, and presented themselves to the Emperor.
On seeing this old man— his head covered with snowy hair, and his

542 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

loins bound with a tri coloured sash,* while hrs leather apron had not
been laid aside, Napoleon stopped his carriage, and beckoned him to
approach. " Sire," said the aged spokesman, " you have re-entered
France, and are proceeding to Paris ! When you shall have arrived
there, forget not those who have opened to you the road. They are
freemen, and determined to be so. We will have neither priests nor

oreigners for our masters. We are ready to give you all you astc,
but you must preserve our rights in their full integrity; recollect that
we aie poor, and are your children. Adieu, Sire! May God guide
and protect you. Remember that you represent the people." This
was an harangue very different from that of M. de Fontanes. Napo-
leon was silent at first, but after a while he replied, " Yes, I will never
forget you, people of Dauphine. You have recalled to my mind all
those grand and noble sentiments which, twenty years ago, made me
designate France as the great nation. She is so still, and will be
always so. As to you, Mr. Mayor,'' said he to the old farrier, "you
have spoken to my soul ! Give me your hand." Then, suddenly, he
leapt from his carriage, and embraced the old fai*rier heartily. 1 give
this fact from the testimony of an eye-witness, who told me that when
the Emperor re-entered his carriage he spoke to no one, but remained
in a profound reverie.

At Bourgoing the Emperor perceived the first marks of serious
resistance he would have to encounter. The Count d'Artois had
arrived at Lyons, the second city in the kingdom. Macdonald, who
commanded the troops, loved not the Emperor, and therefore nothing
was to be expected from him. He was of the class of those republi-
can generals who, for a single warlike act, had acquired a reputation
which since they had failed to maintain. He was not, in fact, worthy
to be the brother in arms of Napoleon ; but he cherished a sentiment
of fierce revenge against the Emperor because he had been only made
a Marshal in 1809. I have heard that when this officer returned
from his audience of Louis XVIII., he expressed regret at going to
fight the Emperor. I would believe this, but cannot. His influence
with the troops was but slight. His name had, indeed, a little eclat,
but it was of no avail in opposition to that of Napoleon. This was
evident at a review which took place in presence of the Count d'Artois.
The 13th regiment of dragoons, at that period recently returned from
Spain, was composed of old soldiers. The Colonel, interrogated first
bv the Marshal and then by the Prince, replied, " Monseigneur, I will
shed my blood for the cause of your Royal Highness," and, drawing

* The mayors in France wear a sash as the insignia of office: the cok.ui
desi^natos the government in fashiou.

MARSHAL MACDONALD AND NAPOLEON. 543

nis sabre, he shouted " Vive le Roi !" No voice echoed him. The
regiment remained dull and stern. The Prince then made a last
effort : he approached a subaltern whose breast was adorned with the
eagle. " Give me your hand, my brave comrade," said the Count
d'Artois, "and shout with me — 'Vive le Roi!'" "No, Monseigneur,"
firmly, but respectfully answered the old veteran ; " I honour youi
Royal Highness, but I cannot join your cry. Mine is, Vive I'Empe-
reur /" And, at the same instant, the whole regiment repeated this
name, so cherished, so beloved. The Prince retreated, and, throwing
himself into his carriage, exclaimed, "All is lost!"

And the chariot of the King's brother was not escorted to the gates
of the town, even by one of the yeomanry of the National Guard of
Lyons. The 13th regiment, although it had refused to join the Count
d'Artois, was very indignant at this conduct, and furnished a small
escort, which was joined by a single mounted National Guard ; and I
was assured at the time, I know not with what truth, that the Em
peior bestowed on this young man the cross of the Legion of Honour.
While the unfortunate Prince fled before the Emperor, Marshal Mac-
donald occupied the bridge of La Guillotiere, and there, with two
battalions of infantry, made preparations to dispute the Emperor's
passage : but as soon as his men perceived the red cloaks of the 4th
hussar regiment, they raised one unanimous cry of " Vive l 'Empereur 7"
I own I should like to have seen the Marshal's physiognomy on hear-
ing these cries, and when, a few minutes after, the Emperor himself
traversed this bridge. He waited His Majesty's approach, and they
conversed together for a few minutes. Napoleon then bade him a
friendly adieu. The Marshal took immediately the road to Paris, and
Napoleon entered Lyons without any obstacle.

What he said to the mounted National Guard of Lyons is well
known. When they presented themselves, he addressed them as
follows: "The original institution of the National Guard does not
permit it to become cavalry. You have besides behaved ill t<> the
Count d'Artois: in his misfortune you have abandoned him. 1 will
not accept your services."*

But it was not thus he spoke to his good city of Lyons at large.
The address he, uttered on quitting it was almost wholly written by
himself, and merits to be exactly copied. It shows the ( fesianic turn of
his mind, and affords good materials lor estimating him. "Lyonnais!
at the moment of quitting your town, to repair to mv capital, I feel

* Napoleon, it lias often been observed, had a very peculiar faculty of reply-
ing in energetic terms, and was seldom km wn to hesitate.

54-i NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

that it behooves me to make known to you the sentiments with which
you have inspired me. You have always occupied a first place in my
affections. Upon the throne, and in exile, you have always shown
towards me the same sentiments. The elevated character by which
you are distinguished merits, indeed, all my esteem. In more tran-
quil moments, I shall return and occupy myself respecting your city
find its manufactures. People of Lyons, I love you !"

In this last simple phrase, placed at the termination of a speech
equally simple, might be recognised a seal of affection between the
Sovereign and his people. The Lyonnais were in a delirium of joy
the day the speech was delivered.

I confess I cannot comprehend what the ministry of M. de Blacas
proposed, by making an officer of the Garde-du-Corps appear at
the balcony of the Tuileries, and announce officially that the Duke
d'Orleans had completely defeated the Emperor in the environs of
Bourgoing. I might amuse myself here by relating the several con
versations full of boasting which some persons of the royal cause held
with me after the publication of this verbal bulletin. But those events
were too serious and grave. Alas ! the enchantment was likewise too
short. Next day came couriers from Monsieur, stating the real con-
dition of things.

Louis XVIII. was not without talents for government, but he was
unequal to these circumstances, and undoubtedly, but for the Allied
Powers, would have lost his throne once more, never to regain it.
His infatuation in employing M. de Blacas, a country squire, turned
into a first gentleman of the court, was excessive. The impertinence
of this man weighed on France as a plague, despised as he was by all
the Allied Sovereigns, who saw in him nothing but a pernicious
favourite of the court. He had no idea of the direction of public
opinion in this crisis, and had conducted the monarchy to the brink
of a precipice, whilst his creatures plied him with incense and flattery,
which effectually turned his poor head. Had Louis XVIII. but known
what the Allied Princes said of him, or even seen them shrug their
shoulders in pity ! M. de Blacas was no doubt very learned in some
points, but what availed all his knowledge of the history of the Lower
Empire, since he was ignorant of that of yesterday as regarded his
own country? In the twelve months which preceded Napoleon's
return, I can trace nothing but an odious system of fraud and decep-
tion. Truth was never made manifest to the King until Napoleon
arrived at Fontainebleau. Neither had any measures been taken to
ensure the escape of the Royal Family, although from the 15th instant
the authorities were aware of the rapid advance of the Emperor. Was

LOUIS XVIII. QUITS PARIS. 545

this the result of heedlessness or of treason? In truth, one knows not
what name to give it.

I must here describe the scene, the memory of which frill never
fade from the minds of those who witnessed it. I allude to the sitting
of the Chamber of Deputies on the lSth or 19th of March. The King
made a speech, a good one doubtless, but nothing took effect like the
exclamation of the Count d'Artois : "Sire," cried he, "permit that 1
unite my voice, and that of all your family, with your own. Yes,
Sire, it is in the name of honour that we swear fidelity to your
Majesty and to the Constitutional Charter, which secures the happi-
ness of the French !"

The Duke de Berri, the Duke d'Orleans, and the Prince de
Conde, all exclaimed, "We swear it!"

It is difficult for any one but a witness of this remarkable scene
to have a just idea of it. The solemn oath taken, in the midst of the
tempest, by the Sovereign and his heir, had an august character,
which penetrated whilst it reassured. I confess that it made upon
me a deep impression. They had talked of defending Paris with a
corps (Tarmee commanded by the Duke de Berri ; but this was a
silly thought. In fact, if one could have laughed at all just then, it
would have been at the men who surrounded Louis XV I II. The
most absurd was M. Dandre, prefect of police, who was altogether a
most singular personage. When he was at length convinced of what
every body else had known long before, namely, that Bonaparte had
disembark< ■! in France, he did nothing but repeat the fact. " How !"
said he, rubbing his hands, "has he dared to come here1? But so
much the better : they will shoot, him !"

Were time and place, not wanting, one might recount strange.
things relating to this unhappy court. It had received a stigma too
strongly marked to change. It was in 1810, as it had been in L791,
wrapped in complete blindness. M. de Blacas sought to persuade
the King that Bonaparte's disembarkation was to his greal advantage.
Louis XVIII. said himself, to an individual of my family who was
greatly in his confidence, "This poor Blacas brought (<• my mind
Olivares announcing to Philip IV. tin- loss of Portugal, when he
spoke to me of the good 1 should derive from the arrival of Bona-
parte."

About midnight, on the 19th of March, Louis XVIII. quitted the
chateau of the Tuileries. which he now inhabited after an exile of

twenty-three years, lie perhaps suffered ;it this menl more than

formerly, for he was aboul to recommence a life of mi fortune, and
courage is exhausted by erief. tie kin-,', also the extent of the evil

646 NAPOLEON, HIS COURT AND FAMILY.

that his departure might occasion — the melancholy result of emigra-
tion was evident in 1791 — of that court-spirit which had already
produced such profound misfortunes, and was now in action again.
The staircases, the courts, the avenues of the chateau were crowded
with persons, all silent and in consternation. At the moment when
his carriage, drawn by eight horses, drew up, there was an almost
spontaneous movement of every eye towards the top of the grand
staircase. The King descended slowly, for his infirmities pressed the
more heavily on him in this agonizing hour. This departure of a
decrepit Prince in the middle of the night, quitting his capital as a
fugitive, could not be otherwise than affecting — manifesting, as he did
throughout, an elevated heart, and a soul capable of great things.

Twenty -four hours had not intervened ere this palace witnessed a
scene of a very different nature — the return of the Emperor. He
had arrived on the eve at Fontainebleau, with his brave grenadiers;
and, upon hearing of the departure of the Bourbons, he perceived that
there must be no interregnum. He therefore hastened forward,
desirous of reaching the capital without any delay ; but the crowd
assembled on the road impeding him at every step, it was not till
nine o'clock p. m. that he entered Paris. What must have been his
emotions on passing under the triumphal arch of the Tuileries!
on finding himself borne thither by that faithful army, which now
conducted him through the shades of night to this ro^al residence
long his own !

But on arriving at Paris Napoleon found, as has been remarked, a
great difference, as contrasted with the enthusiasm of Lyons and
Dauphine. The metropolis was, in fact, surprised. Paris is not like
another city : it contains a swrarming population, who know not how
to direct their own emotions. And although its population thronged
to behold Napoleon, the city presented on the evening of the 20th of
March a triste and sullen aspect. The theatres were shut ; and when
the Emperor reached the gates of the Tuileries, he found, indeed, an
immense crowd ; but the absence of many faces he expected to see
was remarked by him with the greater bitterness, as the enthusiasrr.
of the provinces had led him to anticipate very different things. The
fact is, that Paris was secretly influenced by the faction at whose
head was Fouche. I have related the strange circumstance, that
from fifty to sixty letters arrived at Grenoble on the morning of the
5th of March with the Paris post-mark. The Emperor declared
he had no knowledge of these letters. Who was at work, then ?
It has been said that the Duke of Otranto wras an agent for the
Duke of Orleans. I elieve this to be likely enough • but it matters

THE EMPEROR ARRIVES AT PARIS. 5-47

not. The vicinity of Murat, who on me within twenty leagues of
Paris, also excites in me strange suspicions. The Duke of Otranto
was well with the Queen of Naples — an intriguing woman, to whom
France was always a point of aim and of hope — she had then
lost all.

However this might be, the state of Paris was throughout forced
and unnatural. The very spirit, nay, the love of change, seemed
attached to the walls of the Tuileries; and Napoleon was subject to
its influence when, on the 20th of March, he again crossed the
threshold of the palace: on the 20th of March, that day which had,
in the same mansion, witnessed Fortune's last smile upon him at the
birth of the King of Rome. He desired to consecrate that event
by a miraculous return. But by what thoughts was that return
accompanied? what resolutions passed through his gigantic mind,
now mastered by destiny? He perceived, on the instant, unhappy
man ! that fate had reversed his chances — for that infant which, like
a new Messiah, had spread peace and hope throughout his immense
capital — the joy of whose population reverberated round his throne —
and seemed calculated to sustain it — that infant was no longer in his
power. Oh ! who can divine what were the reflections which oc-
cupied the great soul of Napoleon when he placed his hand on the
marble balustrade of that staircase which, but a few months before,
so many kings had ascended and descended simply as his courtiers.
Doubtless he, imagined he should again see them crouch before him.
His mistake was in forgetting that it was the people alone who had
borne him on their arms to the Tuileries.

What were the Marshals doing all this time? One of them

(Marshal N ) said to Louis XVIII., "Sire, I will bring him to

you like a wild beast, in an iron cage." Another (Marshal S )

issued a proclamation in which he designated Bonaparte a villain:

while ,-i third of those men. who Bnould have made f. >r him a rampart,

-vith their bodies, (Marshal M ,) made an arrangement to invest

his own property in an enemy's country.

It was then thai Napoleon, destitute of all the aid ho should have
received from these individual., (brave, doubtless, in themselves, but
illustrious only through him,) re-entered on the •-,<,ih of March the
chateau of the Tuileries, while the fire lighted on the previous <■■.
for the use of Louis XVIII. still burnt in the principal kitchen.
Napoleon did not well comprehend his position; it was new to him;
and he should therefore have employed new assistants. He believed
the Marshals less fickle, and regretted his own men^M he termed
them. But these men were no longer Am the) were for themselves

548 napoleon, rris court and family

— and his error concerning them ruined him. He had forried plans
ill cemented together to enable him to cross a bottomless abyss. He
could but perish.

The 20th of March was perhaps the most important day in the
life of Napoleon. It might have been a day of regeneration both for
him and France : it was a day fatal to both.* Thus I regard the 20th
5f March, 1815, as the termination of the grand military and politioil
existence of Napoleon Bonaparte. Here we must stop, — for his last
great day was accomplished ! Waterloo was the tomb of all that
had escaped the sabre of the Cossacks and the cannon of the Austrians
and Russians. Thus was engulfed our national honour, weighed
down by infamous treasons. Waterloo came upon us like a flame
kindled in hell, and destroyed our fortune — our glory — our all ! —
even hope. Oh, Waterloo ! Waterloo ! No ! I will not dwell on
that horrible day. I will not divulge that which I know. I will not
publish the disgrace of a French name. I will not tell that the battle
might have been gained, yet was not. In such a case silence is duty.

The 20th of March, then, is the day whereon, in these Memoirs,
I quit Napoleon. I have conducted him, as it were, by the hand,
almost from his cradle to mature age, through the world, which rang
with his marvellous deeds, and unto this day, when, more surprising
than ever, he re-entered alone, at the head of a few brave men, the
palace conquered by his sword — whence he issued to front entire
Europe, armed against him.

Let us pause awhile on the recollection of so many great actions —
so many brilliant achievements. Even yet we may bow before a
destiny not resembled by any other. I review it with a sentiment
profoundly religious. Napoleon was to France, from 1795 to 1814,
a tutelary Providence — a light which will shine during ages to come.
Under gilded ceilings or roofs of thatch this truth will always be
proclaimed and recognised ; and I am happy that my name should be
attached to this relation of events designed to perpetuate the memory
of that epoch.

* For a very circumstantial and interesting narrative of the " Hundred Days,*
and of the subsequent events of Napoleon's life, we refer our readers to the 4th
volume of Bourrienne's Memoirs of Bonaparte (London, 183f ).

L

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A

ROUND AND ABOUT SOUTH AMERICA :
Twenty Months of Quest and Queiy. By Frank VINCENT.
With Maps, Plans, and 54 full-page Illustrations. 8vo, xxiv +
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already known here :n literary circles, is destined to attain an immediate and widespread
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IS TOR Y OF THE PEOPLE

OF THE UNITED STATES,

from the Revolution to the Civil

War. By John Bach McMaster.

To be completed in six volumes.

Vols. I, II, III, and IV now read)

Svo. Cloth, gilt top, $2.50 each.

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conceive of more interesting reading for an American
citizen who cares to know the nature of those causes
which have made not only him but his environment
and the opportunities life has given him what they are."
— N. Y. Times.

JOHN BACH MC MASTER.

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sober facts, the spice of personalities and incidents, which relieves every page from
dullness. ' '— Chicago Inter- Ocean.

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"His style is vigorous and his treatment candid and impartial."— New York

Tribune.

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6/V^6

II I II lllll I
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